6 May 2008

IPCC publishes report into allegations against former Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Terry Grange

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has concluded its investigation into allegations made against former Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Terry Grange and has found each allegation substantiated. The IPCC has published this investigation report on its website - www.ipcc.gov.uk

The allegations were very serious and required independent investigation by the IPCC. The investigation was proportionate, timely and made recommendations to improve force policies and processes.

Mr Grange breached force policies in relation to misuse of the force computer system and in the way he used the corporate credit card entrusted to him. Mr Grange also failed to attend some official meetings because of personal matters.

This investigation has established a number of significant failings in respect of the systems and processes in place surrounding the use of the Dyfed-Powys Police corporate credit card scheme, together with the failure to adhere to force policies over expenses claims.

The specific allegations that the IPCC investigated were:

•Misuse of the force computer system.

•Use of the force computer system likely to bring discredit on the force.

•Expense claims in respect of a woman Mr Grange was in a relationship with.

•Failing to attend official business meetings to spend duty time with the woman he was having a relationship with.

To ensure that the investigation was professionally advised on the expenses allegations the Wales Audit Office prepared a report on Mr Grange’s expenses claims, and we are grateful for their assistance.

As part of its normal process the IPCC passed its investigation file to the Crown Prosecution Service, who considered whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant prosecution for misconduct in public office and of obtaining monies by deception. It also forwarded the report to the Dyfed-Powys Police Authority to consider issues relating to possible breaches of conduct.

The CPS considered whether the allegations regarding the e-mails were sufficiently serious for the offence of misconduct in a public office but decided that they were not. It also considered the improper use of the credit card but concluded that it would not be able to satisfy a jury that Mr Grange had been dishonest.

The CPS thanked the IPCC for the thoroughness of its investigation.

As Mr Grange resigned from Dyfed-Powys Police he is no longer subject to the police misconduct regulations. However, the IPCC investigation has also made a number of recommendations:

•That Dyfed-Powys Police Authority in line with its duties of public accountability examine the issues arising from this investigation and establish revised robust procedures for the use of the police force corporate credit card scheme, and the policies and procedures surrounding the claiming of expenses by the chief officer team, together with establishing transparent systems for the auditing of duty commitments and annual leave recording.

•That Dyfed-Powys Police remind all staff, regardless of their rank or position, over the proper use of force computer systems and that robust procedures are implemented to prevent a similar incident occurring in the future, especially where a single senior officer can instruct subordinates to bypass force systems.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: “This is a sad end to a long and distinguished career of a senior police officer.

“As a result of this investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police Authority has been asked to ensure that proper procedures for chief officers concerning expenses, annual leave and use of computer systems are put in place, and, where appropriate, strengthened to ensure they are adhered to.”

- ENDS -

Notes for editors

  • The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales. The IPCC’s jurisdiction was extended in 2008 to cover UK Border Agency staff exercising police-like powers.
  • The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.
  • The 15 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than more than 200 independent IPCC investigators, casework managers and other specialists.
  • Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 225 independent and 619 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police and other agencies. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.
  • The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.
  • The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

For further information please contact:

Regional Communications Officer David Nicholson on 02920 245464/07717 851 223. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries would journalists please call the IPCC duty press officer on 07717 851 157.