Deputy police chief in clear over computer disc images

THE deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police has been cleared of any serious wrongdoing over the discovery of a computer disk containing "inappropriate content" on his work laptop.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has formally downgraded an investigation into Adam Briggs by referring it back to North Yorkshire Police Authority.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "IPCC investigators have completed an analysis of the disk and laptop. This has established that although it does have inappropriate content, there is no material which could be deemed illegal. However, crucially the analysis of the laptop has shown no evidence of the disk being viewed using the laptop.

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"This evidence gives credence to DCC Briggs' statement that he had received the disk but not viewed it. Given this finding, it is no longer proportionate or justified for a wholly independent investigation to continue. The IPCC will now conclude its element of the investigation and hand the matter over to North Yorkshire Police Authority."

Mr Briggs had previously said he had not known the contents of the disk, which was provided by an acquaintance as a useful research tool for police presentations. He said he had been unable to open its contents which were only later discovered by the force's IT department during an upgrade.

As well as police research material, the disk included advertising-style images of scantily-clad models, and a number of cartoons, one of which featured a rabbi.

The IPCC is continuing to investigate Mr Briggs and North Yorkshire chief constable Grahame Maxwell over allegations they provided help to relatives who wanted jobs as police officers.

The watchdog is also set to make a decision on whether to launch a new inquiry into allegations that Mr Maxwell attempted to help Mr Briggs' wife, a police officer, obtain a job with their force.