Police chief inquiry ‘should have been avoided’

POLICE MISCONDUCT proceedings against a chief constable which cost almost £350,000 of public money “could – and should – have been avoided”, a panel has ruled.

Simon Byrne was suspended as chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary last year after being accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

At a hearing at Warrington Town Hall, police and crime commissioner David Keane said the panel, led by Rachel Crasnow QC, had found no allegations of misconduct or gross misconduct were proved against Mr Byrne.

The 55-year-old, whose contract with the force has expired since his suspension, said he was pleased to have been “totally exonerated” following the allegations he bullied and belittled staff after moving from the Met Police to take up the top role at the Cheshire force in 2014.

In its report, the panel said: “This misconduct panel has been an unfortunate experience for all concerned and our overriding conclusion is that it could – and should – have been avoided.

“We have reflected at length on the circumstances which led to such a time consuming (and costly) process being used to try and resolve what was essentially a clash of cultures, personalities and attitudes within Cheshire Constabulary following Mr Byrne’s arrival.”

The panel, which found a number of the 74 allegations were exaggerated by witnesses, said guidance and mentoring for chief constables should be welcomed by police forces to prevent a similar situation. The misconduct hearing in July was told Mr Byrne had a reputation for treating junior officers and staff like “roadkill”. Speaking after the hearing, Mr Byrne said: “This whole affair has been an ordeal for all parties.”