Senior policeman in clear over 'potentially offensive' images

Adam Briggs, second in command at North Yorkshire Police, has been told he did have a case to answer for potential misconduct but his actions fell short of requiring further disciplinary proceedings.

The case involved Mr Briggs' attempted use of a computer disk earlier this year which included advertising-style images of scantily-clad models, and a number of cartoons, one of which featured a rabbi.

Using evidence gathered by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and a subsequent report commissioned from Durham chief constable Jon Stoddart, North Yorkshire Police Authority found that some of the images, though not considered pornographic or of a criminal nature, "were potentially offensive in a number of respects".

In a statement, the police authority said: "Mr Briggs stated that the disk had been created some years ago by someone known to DCC Briggs who sometimes sought out images from the internet which Mr Briggs would perhaps find useful for presentations in connection with his role. At no time did DCC Briggs view the disc. This has been confirmed by forensic analysis."

The police authority said although Mr Briggs had breached force policy on computer use it had taken account of his speedy explanation of what had happened.

The statement went on: "He has apologised and has co-operated fully with all aspects of the investigation. The professional standards sub committee give DCC Briggs full credit for this and his conduct during the course of the investigation.

"In all the circumstances the sub committee concluded that whilst there was a case to answer for potential misconduct, there was no need for further disciplinary proceedings in relation to either matter but that it would be made clear to DCC Briggs that he must adhere to force policies at all times."

The deputy chief constable issued his own statement which said: "Sometime ago I was forwarded a computer disk, which the sender believed would be of use to me in my work as a Police Officer.

"I attempted to view the contents of the disk on my office laptop but the computer was unable to open it.

"I intended to get the IT department to open it for me but before this was done the laptop was taken away as part of an upgrade with the disk still inside and unopened.

"The disk was subsequently opened by the IT department and an investigation launched.

"I then viewed the contents for the first time.

"Some of the contents would have been of use to me in my work as a Police Officer but other images, whilst widely available to the public, I regard as inappropriate and distasteful and I would never have used them."

A separate inquiry into allegations that Mr Briggs and North Yorkshire chief constable Grahame Maxwell provided help to relatives who wanted jobs as police officers is continuing.