Crime scenes man ‘botched scores of cases’

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) yesterday said it was managing an investigation into the “quality of work and qualifications” of the 48-year-old man, who was employed by Cleveland Police between 2002 and 2011.

A spokesman for the IPCC said the inquiry was examining 90 cases – most of which are suspicious or sudden deaths – which have raised concern.

One investigation into a death has already been reopened, although details have not been released by the force.

It is understood none of the cases under investigation are within the Yorkshire area.

The IPCC said its inquiry began in February 2011 when the officer was suspended and two months later was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The unnamed employee, who resigned from his post last October, is on police bail.

The officer worked for Staffordshire Police from 1996 to 2002, Northumbria Police in 2002 and Cleveland Police from 2002 to 2011, although the concerns focus on his time in Cleveland Police’s employment.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: “This has been a long-running and complex investigation involving three police forces and covering a period of 15 years.

“We wanted to ensure we reached a stage where we could inform those families directly affected rather than publicise the investigation earlier and possibly create concern for a larger number of people.”