A senior North Yorkshire Police officer is under investigation, it emerged this afternoon (Wednesday).
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced that they have launched an investigation into allegations against a senior officer.
It said in a statement: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct is criminally investigating an allegation that a senior North Yorkshire Police officer may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid receiving a sanction for a speeding offence.
“After being made aware of the allegation, we used our power of initiative in November to begin an independent investigation.”
The unnamed officer has been told they are under criminal investigation for the potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.
The IOPC is also investigating gross misconduct in relation to potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and conduct.
The officer has been suspended from duty.
IOPC director David Ford said: “Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.
“In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police.
“I would like to make clear that the launching of an criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.
“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.
“Our investigation is at an early stage, and we will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said they were aware of the investigation, adding: “It would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and as it is led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct all enquiries should be directed to them at this stage.”
The North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct perform a vital role in independently investigating serious allegations of wrongdoing.
“I would like to reassure the public of York and North Yorkshire that this does not affect the continuity of leadership in place within North Yorkshire Police and that the Chief Officer Team have my full support and confidence going forward.”