Top crime adviser accused of gross misconduct
POLICE BOSS URGED TO SACK HIM NOW HEARING BEEN ANNOUNCED
THE adviser to Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is to face gross misconduct proceedings for his past behaviour.
Mike Veale is accused of breaching “standards of professional behaviour” during his time as chief constable of Cleveland Police – a job he resigned suddenly from in 2019.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had carried out investigations into allegations from 2018, looking into accusations of “inappropriate behaviour, discrimination and unprofessional behaviour”.
Since May, he has been working for Rupert Matthews, police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Leicestershire.
Mr Matthews’ predecessor, Lord (Willy) Bach, said Mr Matthews should never have hired Mr Veale when the investigation was ongoing. He urged Mr Matthews to sack Mr Veale now that a formal hearing has been announced.
Lord Bach said: “I am disappointed and deeply concerned that my successor has seen fit to appoint someone who is now the subject of a serious misconduct investigation.
“Given Mr Veale’s highly public difficulties, I cannot understand how he managed to get through the vetting procedure that goes hand in hand with his role.
“This whole affair is an embarrassment to Leicestershire and an embarrassment to a police force with an outstanding reputation.
“I urge my successor to reconsider this illjudged decision and dispense with Mr Veale’s services immediately.”
Mr Matthews said Mr Veale was on a six-month contract to work for him, starting from his election win in May.
He said: “Mr Veale has been transparent with me about the investigation he is currently under and the forthcoming public hearing.
“It is important to note that he is currently not in breach of any misconduct regulations.
“The investigation process is ongoing, and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment on anything in relation to that at this time.”
The IOPC said it will now be up to Steve Turner, the current PCC for Cleveland, to hold the proceedings against Mr Veale.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We found that there was sufficient evidence to indicate that Mr Veale had breached the standards of professional behaviour.
“Following discussion, we have accepted the then PCC’s determinations that Mr Veale should face proceedings for gross misconduct.
“The allegations relate to conduct between July and December 2018 when serving as chief constable.
“It will be for the PCC to formulate the nature of the misconduct charges, based on our findings, and to bring those proceedings to a future misconduct hearing.
“All concerned parties have been notified.”
Mr Turner said: “The matter will shortly be referred to an independent panel, chaired by an independent lawyer, to hold a misconduct hearing to consider the evidence, make appropriate findings and determine any appropriate outcome.”
Depending on the outcome, Mr Veale could be barred from serving as a police officer again.