Police chief investigated over sexual assault - more trouble for scandal-hit force
A POLICE chief is being investigated after an allegation of sexual assault was reported to the independent watchdog.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner is understood to have been reported to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The alleged incident is said to have taken place in the 1980s, the Mirror reports.
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Turner was elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland in May 2021.
The IPOC said a probe will be carried out by a separate police force.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “Any allegation that a criminal offence may have been committed by a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) must be referred by the appropriate authority to the IOPC to determine whether the matter should be investigated.
“We have now begun a managed investigation following a complaint referral from the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel regarding the alleged conduct of the current PCC prior to taking up the role.
“This investigation, which follows an allegation of a serious non-recent criminal offence, will be carried out by a force from another area under our direction and control.
“We have contacted the complainant to make them aware of our involvement.
“As this investigation is at a very early stage, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
As PCC, Turner is responsible for the workings of the police force and to give victims a voice.
He joined the Conservatives in 2016 having previously served as a UKIP councillor.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said Turner is working with the authorities.
They said: “We have been made aware that a referral has been made to Cleveland Police and Crime Panel relating to a non-recent allegation against Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner.
“We extend our full co-operation to the Panel and the IOPC and we will assist them with any enquiries they need to make.”
The alleged incident follows a string of scandals to hit the police force.
In 2019, Cleveland police was rated inadequate overall and in three key areas by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
Speaking at the time, Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said the report described the “worst findings ever into any police force in the country”.
He added: “It’s no longer in dispute. It is a fact described in black and white in this report.
“The findings are some of the most distressing and shocking I have ever read.”
Former chief constable Sean Price was dismissed for gross misconduct in 2012.
