IPCC to find out whether Sean Price used his position to favour a job applicant
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| Chief constable of Cleveland police Sean Price. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA |
Chief constable of Cleveland police Sean Price. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA
One of Britain's highest paid police officers is being formally investigated over allegations he unduly used his influence to get someone a job with his force. Sean Price, chief constable of Cleveland police, responded by threatening legal action over the "malicious" allegations.
The investigation was announced by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which will use its own investigators, and Price on Friday night remained in his post.
It is the latest development to unsettle north-east policing. A fortnight ago the chair of Cleveland's police authority quit after inquiries by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into how the body's business had been conducted. Those concerns led to a criminal investigation being launched into the behaviour of past and present authority members.
The police authority chair, Dave McLuckie, denied any wrongdoing and said he would co-operate with the criminal investigation being conducted by Warwickshire's chief constable, Keith Bristow.
McLuckie has in the past defended a large salary package given to Price by the Cleveland police authority, justifying it by pointing to falling crime.
Price was paid a total salary package of £208,000 in 2009/10, higher than chiefs in an equivalent sized force. He is paid a "retention package" of £50,000 to stop him being poached by a larger force and his basic salary is £130,000.
Cleveland is one of the best performing forces in England and Wales, according to HMIC.
After news of the investigation was announced, Price issued a defiant statement. He said: "I understand that this allegation relates to the recruitment process for a junior member of staff in late 2008. I completely refute the accusation, which I regard as malicious as I took no part in the recruitment process."
He said he believed the allegation was "mischievous" and added: "I am sure that everyone will realise the damage that such an allegation could have on my personal standing and confidence in the force.
"In addition I am taking legal advice regarding any action I may take in the future against those responsible for initiating and spreading incorrect information that defames my character."
Peter Race, chair of Cleveland police authority, said: "Whilst we fully understand the role of the IPCC in investigating complaints, we fully support our chief constable in his clear statement refuting the accusations, which he regards as malicious and mischievous.
"We believe that Sean Price has played a key role in delivering massive improvements in the policing service in Cleveland over the past few years."
The authority said it was delighted in 2009 when Price agreed to sign on for an extra three years, until 2013.
Price also has national roles with Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) in areas including communications and anti-terrorism planning.
The IPCC said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission will conduct an independent investigation into an allegation against Cleveland police's chief constable, Sean Price.
"The allegation came to light during a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary into the manner in which some individuals within Cleveland police authority may have conducted some of its business.
"The IPCC's independent investigation will focus on the allegation that Mr Price used undue influence to have an individual appointed to a position within the police force. A notice of investigation was served on CC Price today [Friday]."
Friday 27 May 2011
The investigation was announced by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which will use its own investigators, and Price on Friday night remained in his post.
It is the latest development to unsettle north-east policing. A fortnight ago the chair of Cleveland's police authority quit after inquiries by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into how the body's business had been conducted. Those concerns led to a criminal investigation being launched into the behaviour of past and present authority members.
The police authority chair, Dave McLuckie, denied any wrongdoing and said he would co-operate with the criminal investigation being conducted by Warwickshire's chief constable, Keith Bristow.
McLuckie has in the past defended a large salary package given to Price by the Cleveland police authority, justifying it by pointing to falling crime.
Price was paid a total salary package of £208,000 in 2009/10, higher than chiefs in an equivalent sized force. He is paid a "retention package" of £50,000 to stop him being poached by a larger force and his basic salary is £130,000.
Cleveland is one of the best performing forces in England and Wales, according to HMIC.
After news of the investigation was announced, Price issued a defiant statement. He said: "I understand that this allegation relates to the recruitment process for a junior member of staff in late 2008. I completely refute the accusation, which I regard as malicious as I took no part in the recruitment process."
He said he believed the allegation was "mischievous" and added: "I am sure that everyone will realise the damage that such an allegation could have on my personal standing and confidence in the force.
"In addition I am taking legal advice regarding any action I may take in the future against those responsible for initiating and spreading incorrect information that defames my character."
Peter Race, chair of Cleveland police authority, said: "Whilst we fully understand the role of the IPCC in investigating complaints, we fully support our chief constable in his clear statement refuting the accusations, which he regards as malicious and mischievous.
"We believe that Sean Price has played a key role in delivering massive improvements in the policing service in Cleveland over the past few years."
The authority said it was delighted in 2009 when Price agreed to sign on for an extra three years, until 2013.
Price also has national roles with Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) in areas including communications and anti-terrorism planning.
The IPCC said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission will conduct an independent investigation into an allegation against Cleveland police's chief constable, Sean Price.
"The allegation came to light during a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary into the manner in which some individuals within Cleveland police authority may have conducted some of its business.
"The IPCC's independent investigation will focus on the allegation that Mr Price used undue influence to have an individual appointed to a position within the police force. A notice of investigation was served on CC Price today [Friday]."
Friday 27 May 2011
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