By Luke Balleny
LONDON (TrustLaw) - Britain’s police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), is to investigate claims of corruption against the chief constable and deputy of northern England’s Cleveland police force, the BBC reported.
Sean Price and his deputy Derek Bonnard were arrested and suspended from their duties earlier this month after being questioned by detectives investigating fraud and corruption.
The IPCC will join the Warwickshire Police in their investigations of Price and Bonnard but will focus solely on the allegations of misconduct by the Cleveland police officers.
“Allegations of corruption within a police force have a significant impact on public confidence and must be investigated thoroughly,” IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long told the BBC. "While I believe it important that the IPCC becomes involved to provide wholly independent oversight, I also believe it important that we do not do anything that might undermine the ongoing investigation.
"It is for this reason that I have decided it appropriate for one of our senior investigators to work alongside Mr Bristow (Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police) with a specific focus on allegations of potential misconduct or gross misconduct."
According to the BBC, Price has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name.
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