Last updated at 18:05, Friday, 14 September 2012

THE chief of Cumbria police has been suspended following allegations of misconduct.

Stuart Hyde, Temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary

Details of the allegations have yet to emerge.

Ray Cole, chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, said:  “Following a meeting of Cumbria Police Authority on September 13, a decision has been taken to suspend Stuart Hyde, Temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, from duty. The decision has been taken following a number of allegations of serious misconduct, which may indicate there has been a breach in the standards of professional behaviour, by Mr Hyde, in his activities as temporary chief constable.

“The Authority takes all allegations against any police officer seriously and must address these allegations in an appropriate manner.

“On behalf of the Authority, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the community that Cumbria Constabulary remains a high-performing force, who are committed to ensuring that Cumbria remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“This is an isolated matter and does in no way reflect the conduct of the wider constabulary."

The Deputy Chief Constable of Merseyside, Bernard Lawson, has temporarily assumed the role of Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, with immediate effect.

The police authority said the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is standard procedure.

Acting Chief Constable Bernard Lawson said: “I would like to reassure the people of Cumbria that we will continue to work hard during this difficult period to deliver the high standards of service they have come to expect from us. The Constabulary is fortunate to have police officers and staff who are committed to serving local communities and dedicated to making a difference to the quality of people’s lives. We are certainly all determined to ensure this continues as we work to make Cumbria safer.”

Mr Hyde, who was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal earlier this year, became deputy chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary in June 2009 and took over when former chief constable Craig Mackey was appointed deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in January.

First published at 11:01, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk