Watchdog inquiry into police force

A police watchdog is to carry out an investigation into how the Cumbria force conducted a long-running inquiry into its own officers.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) will examine the force's inquiry into members of its crime squad.

The costly investigation collapsed in May after three years, when a tribunal panel threw out 104 charges against nine officers.

The investigation, which involved the alleged misuse of police vehicles, began in June 2000.

Five constables, two sergeants, an inspector and a chief inspector were implicated.

One officer was suspended briefly at the start of the inquiry and all were moved to non-operational duties while the investigations took place.

All have been reinstated and no further action has been taken.

However, Carlisle MP Eric Martlew wrote to Home Secretary David Blunkett expressing concerns at the way the internal investigation was carried out.

I am anxious that we learn from this experience and...about how we can progress a review of the investigation

Cumbria chief constable, Michael Baxter

The Police Federation in Cumbria also said it had concerns.

Now, Cumbria chief constable Michael Baxter has confirmed an external review of the investigation is to be carried out.

He said: "Following the misconduct panel reaching a conclusion, I have been able to consider a wide range of issues.

"Firstly, I have personally seen each of the officers involved and discussed their preferences for posts within the force.

"Following these discussions, there has been agreement to which posts the officers are going to.

"Some have returned to previous posts, others have moved on to other posts which they have been properly selected for.

'Assumed costs'

"I am anxious that we learn from this experience and when Mr Martlew had written to the home secretary, I was already in discussion with Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary about how we can progress a review of the investigation.

"My approach to the chief inspector has been endorsed and supported by the chairman of the police authority.

"At this stage I do not know who will be conducting the review, other than that it will be someone from outside Cumbria Constabulary.

"There have been assumed costs of the investigation, but the additional cost to the force over the past three years is likely to be in the region of £150,000.

"That is regrettable, but necessary, and nowhere near the figures that have been widely and recently quoted."