Chief constable faces inquiry

The allegation involves extracts from a Treasury Counsel report

An independent investigation has been ordered by Cleveland police authority into allegations that its chief constable leaked details from a confidential report against one of his senior officers.

Barry Shaw has been accused by a former employee of leaking parts of a report that criticised the methods used by Ray Mallon, the suspended head of Middlesborough CID.

Details of the report were released to a national newspaper on 22 June, the same day Mr Mallon was cleared of criminal wrongdoing.

The order, made at an emergency meeting of the police authority on Friday, resolved that Mr Shaw should not be suspended during the investigation.

Zero-tolerance

The controversy surrounding Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon and his support of zero-tolerance policing has dogged and embarrassed Cleveland Constabulary for more than three years.

Ray Mallon: Wants his job back

The complaint against the chief constable was made by a former civilian employee.

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, which gives immunity to whistleblowers, action will now be taken to investigate the accusation that he authorised the leak.

Operation Lancet, outlined in the leaked report, is still investigating alleged corruption among detectives in Middlesborough.

About 60 Cleveland police officers, including Mr Mallon, still face internal disciplinary action.

The inquiry into the allegations against the Mr Shaw will be carried out by Michael Hedges, the chief constable of South Yorkshire.