Northamptonshire’s police chief has been suspended amid an investigation into allegations he misrepresented his army service.
It is alleged Chief Constable Nick Adderley sported the South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British army personnel and civilians for service within the 1982 battle between the UK and Argentina.
Mr Adderley, 57, is accused of sporting it at a number of occasions. He would have been 15 years outdated when the Falklands War started.
Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold mentioned he has been suspended whereas the Independent Office For Police Conduct (IOPC) investigates the accusations into what it describes as “potential misrepresentation of his military service”.
Mr Mold mentioned: “Allegations of misconduct should all the time be absolutely, independently investigated in order that the general public have faith within the integrity of the police service and the processes that independently maintain policing to account.
“That independent investigation must now be allowed to take its course and we will not be commenting further on matters related to the investigation.”
Mr Adderley joined the police service in 1992 following a 10-year profession within the Royal Navy, serving as each a cadet and within the common service.
He took over as head of the Northamptonshire power in 2018.
In a press release issued on Monday, the IOPC mentioned Mr Adderley was because of be interviewed, had been issued with a gross misconduct discover and is beneath investigation for potential offences of misconduct in public workplace and fraud.
An IOPC spokesperson mentioned: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct is criminally investigating [Mr Adderley] over allegations that he has potentially misrepresented his military service, both in public and in communications with the police, fire and crime commissioner.
They added a gross misconduct notice had been served “for potential breaches of police skilled requirements referring to honesty and integrity, orders, and directions and conduct”.
At the end of the investigation the IOPC will decide whether or not to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any potential offence.
Mr Adderley last month said he had always worn his own medals alongside two medals his brothers gave him to wear – when one became critically ill and one moved overseas.
He expressed disappointment at what he said were “leaked” details of a “very private household situation”.
Mr Adderley added he had modified the facet of his chest on which he wore his brothers’ medals after looking for recommendation.
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“It is disappointing that someone has leaked such details about what I deem to be a very personal family issue that I have yet to respond to formally,” he mentioned in a press release.
“Consequently, I am restricted in what I can say but I have always been keen to respond to such issues directly and openly. Hence it is important that I state for the public record that I am very proud of my Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service.
“Coming from a army household, I put on all my medals with pleasure and have all the time worn the 2 medals my brothers gave me to put on when one turned critically sick and one emigrated, alongside my very own.
“Having been made aware of this complaint, which has a private family impact upon me personally, I immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of my chest on which these medals are worn.
“I look ahead to offering the IOPC with a fulsome response on the earliest alternative and I absolutely respect that they’ve a job to do.”
His suspension will likely be saved beneath common evaluate because the investigation progresses.
Source: information.sky.com”