Latest statement

I recently requested the Police and Crime Commissioner review my suspension following the conclusion of the investigation by South Wales Police into allegations made in September 2012.

In relation those allegations, the IPCC had concluded back in October 2012, “The assessment has revealed that while some matters may require an investigation by Cumbria Police Authority, the allegations as they stand either do not amount to serious misconduct or are based on unsupported suspicion and therefore do not warrant IPCC involvement.”

A new allegation has now arisen, which the IPCC has considered and referred back to the Police and Crime Commissioner and the South Wales team. I have provided my full co-operation to the South Wales team and I will continue to do so.

I remain disappointed that my suspension continues and wish to be back at work, being productive for the people of Cumbria and for policing nationally.

Latest comment on continuing suspension

"I understand that the PCC has reviewed my suspension and I remain deeply frustrated and disappointed that my suspension continues.  I firmly believe it could now be concluded with me back at work serving the people of Cumbria . I will be making  representations to be allowed to return to work as soon as possible.

The IPCC concluded in October 2012 “The assessment has revealed that while some matters may require an investigation by Cumbria Police Authority, the allegations as they stand either do not amount to serious misconduct or are based on unsupported suspicion and therefore do not warrant IPCC involvement”

I have fully co operated with the inquiry and will continue to do so irrespective of the time and cost involved to all parties.

I reiterate my wish to return to Cumbria Constabulary and I emphasise that I do not hold any ill-feeling to anyone who has provided any information to this investigation. My ambition is to return to being productive for the people of Cumbria and for policing nationally.

I have been asked by many to comment on the current issues involving the PCCs office and the Constabulary. I would like to make it clear I will not do so as they are not related to myself or the investigation."

Suspension Review update March

My comment re continued suspension

"Whilst this remains a very stressful and difficult time for my family and myself , I am extremely disappointed that my suspension will  now be entering its seventh month. I am given to understand that to date nothing of concern has been found. 

That said I remain absolutely committed to co-operate fully and voluntarily with, the South Wales Police investigation team, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IPCC when, or if, required. I have already voluntarily supplied substantial information to this enquiry.

I understand the investigation is still yet to be completed; I await the opportunity to see, in detail, the allegations and to have the opportunity to respond to them. I am aware that some allegations have already been shown to be without foundation and believe this will be the outcome for the remainder. I very much hope the investigation will conclude soon and I remain committed to return to my role as Chief Constable and to serving Cumbria. 

My family and I are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from friends and colleagues."

FIO request

In response to an FOI request I have made the following email response

To Rob Waugh

Thank you for your email

To be clear I must point out that the issues you raise are matters still under investigation by the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner  (Richard Rhodes) as the Appropriate Authority, until he has determined they are concluded. It would be inappropriate for me to provide detailed responses whilst the investigation is on-going. The investigation is being conducted by Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police  and I cannot  comment in detail at this stage. The investigation itself is being managed by DCI Dorian Lloyd of South Wales Police and you may wish to clarify matters with him.
I have fully cooperated with the investigation throughout and provided all the information I have to the investigation team and will continue to do so.

I would reiterate that I have not used my credit card for any personal gain and wherever any personal expenditure has been made it has been immediately reimbursed. This includes the fuel charges in France which were made as part of the personal use of my corporate car and reimbursed from my salary directly.

I refer you to local coverage of these issues and a short statement I made at the time

http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/i-always-used-police-credit-card-correctly-says-cumbria-s-suspended-top-cop-1.1034432?referrerPath=sports/arlFORMZZNR6

All other costs incurred on the card are for proper business purposes and I have provided a full account of my expenditure to the South Wales investigators.

I remain confident that my expenditure has not been improper. I will place this response  on my blog site for transparency and am copying to the PCC through his Chief Executive Stuart Edwards

Regards

Stuart Hyde

Comment from latest decision to extend my suspension

"I am extremely disappointed that my suspension is now entering its sixth month. Throughout this period I have co-operated fully and voluntarily submitted information to the IPCC, the Police and Crime Commissioner (formerly the Cumbria Police Authority) and to the South Wales Police investigation team and I will continue to do so.

I understand the investigation is still yet to be completed; I still await the opportunity to see in detail any of the allegations and respond to them. I am aware that some allegations have already been shown to be without foundation and believe this will be the outcome for the remainder.
I very much hope the investigation will conclude soon and I remain committed to return to my role as Chief Constable and to serving Cumbria.
My family and I are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from friends and colleagues."

FOI

My comment in relation to credit card spending recently released under FOI Act 


"My use of Cumbria Constabulary's corporate credit card whilst on police business representing Cumbria Constabulary and the Association of Chief Police Officers, has at all times been appropriate, proportionate, authorised and transparent. 

By way of example, in relation to the return flights from Munich I returned from my pre-booked holiday in Germany at short notice to attend an important Police Authority meeting with the knowledge and authority of the Chair of the Police Authority . The flight cost was for an economy class ticket and was the cheapest available at the time. 

In relation to "Car Repairs" these were emergency repairs and were as a consequence of erroneous work conducted locally within Cumbria on the force vehicle. All the costs were recovered from the contractor. 

I have received no personal benefit. I have worked tirelessly to reduce costs for the Constabulary and to secure substantial inward investment."

Updated response to continued suspension

 My statement re my continuing suspension

"It is now nearly 5 months since my suspension and I remain disappointed that it continues.  I have continued to co-operate fully with the investigation and will carry on doing . Whilst I have accepted throughout that I will learn from any shortcomings  I am confident that the allegations against me will not be substantiated.

Whilst I appreciate that the investigation by South Wales Police remains yet to be fully completed, I still await the opportunity to see in detail any of the allegations and respond to them. I am aware that some allegations have already been shown to be without foundation and believe this will be the outcome for the remainder.

I very much hope the investigation will conclude soon and I remain committed to return to my role as Chief Constable and to serving Cumbria

My family and I are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from friends and colleagues."