Questions continue as top policeman departs

North Yorkshire Police Authority refused Mr Maxwell’s request to extend his fixed-term contract last autumn – four months after he had admitted a charge of gross misconduct. As a result his contract was left to wind down and ends today when Mr Maxwell will hand over to deputy chief constable Tim Madgwick.

The circumstances surrounding his departure drew a mixed response yesterday with one North Yorkshire MP speaking of his “delight” while the police authority itself chose to highlight Mr Maxwell’s operational record and falling crime levels rather than his narrow escape from the sack after he admitted helping a relative in a recruitment drive for new constables.

Skipton and Ripon Tory MP Julian Smith said: “I’m delighted that Mr Maxwell is finally leaving – I felt he should have left when he was guilty of gross misconduct last year.

“I hope this will mean a fresh start for the North Yorkshire force, something which I again think should have happened 12 months ago.”

He added: “I’m calling on the police authority to provide a clear statement of exactly what remuneration payments have and will be paid to Mr Maxwell on termination of his contract.”

Last year the Yorkshire Post revealed Mr Maxwell is in line to receive more than £200,000 in compensation because his contract was not being renewed.

The police authority would have to make the payment because Mr Maxwell has been required to leave his £133,000 a year post before being able to secure his full pension entitlement after 30 years of service.

The payment – which is governed by nationally-agreed chief officer regulations – would be made after Mr Maxwell leaves the force unless he obtains another job in the police service.

Mr Maxwell has declined to comment on his future plans though it is understood his has had approaches for future employment though these are not thought to directly involve the police service.

In a statement issued through the police authority, Mr Maxwell said “It has been a privilege to serve the communities of North Yorkshire and York and lead the very dedicated and talented men and women who make up North Yorkshire Police.

“The fight against those who seek to commit crime and blight the lives of others with anti-social behaviour has been relentless, but, for almost a year now, our communities have been the safest in England.

“As well as taking the fight to the criminals, from the very outset, it was important to me to ensure that the force was on a sound financial footing and sustainable into the future.

“The police service, along with all other public services, has seen a substantial cut in its budget and this led to very difficult decisions in cutting the number of posts in North Yorkshire Police.

“The last year’s performance of the force has been exceptional and I pay tribute to the officers, staff and volunteers who, along with our partners, have delivered a remarkable level of crime reduction whilst undergoing significant change.

“I want to thank the public, our partners and the staff of North Yorkshire Police for their support in helping me fulfil my role as Chief Constable. I also wish my successor, Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, every success in delivering a high quality public service in the very challenging year that lays ahead.”

Police authority chairwoman Jane Kenyon, said: “Under chief constable Maxwell’s leadership over the last five years, North Yorkshire Police has achieved significant performance improvements, with crime continuing to fall substantially.

“Alongside our partners in crime reduction, North Yorkshire Police can take great pride in having the lowest crime levels in the whole country. Furthermore, Mr Maxwell has successfully led a programme of organisational restructure which has not only led to improvements in performance but has also produced financial stability for the service.

“Mr Maxwell has played a key role in all that and we thank him for his contribution.”