Chief constable investigated over job allegation

Jon Stoddart has been appointed by North Yorkshire Police Authority to look into the claims surrounding Grahame Maxwell.

The allegations were initially referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which has now decided they can be handled at a local level – a move which effectively downgrades the level of investigation.

It has also emerged the IPCC has upgraded a separate investigation into Mr Maxwell and his deputy, Adam Briggs, over allegations they unfairly helped relatives during the first stage of a recruitment exercise for new officers earlier this year.

In March, the police watchdog announced Staffordshire chief constable Mike Cunningham had been appointed to carry out an investigation on behalf of the IPCC. A spokesman yesterday confirmed it has now been upgraded to an independent IPCC inquiry and has been taken out of Mr Cunningham's hands.

Mr Maxwell allegedly phoned one of his relatives who was trying to join the force after thousands of people were unable to get through to a recruitment hotline which had crashed under the weight of calls. It is also alleged a relative of Mr Briggs received favourable treatment by similarly obtaining a limited-edition recruitment pack in what should have been a first-come, first-served process.

Mr Maxwell and Mr Briggs have previously said they had "nothing to hide". Last night they said it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Mr Stoddart will be investigating whether Mr Maxwell tried to help to secure a transfer for Mr Briggs's wife, a police officer, from West Yorkshire Police shortly before he formally took up North Yorkshire's top job in May 2007.

Mr Maxwell and Mr Briggs were formerly colleagues at West Yorkshire Police before leaving to join other forces. Mr Briggs joined North Yorkshire as deputy chief constable in June 2007.

Mr Maxwell is alleged to have attempted to approve a transfer request from Mr Briggs's wife when he was chief constable designate and had not formally taken up office. However, no transfer ultimately took place.

The chief officers last night said it would be inappropriate to comment. The investigations are expected to be concluded by the end of the summer.