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Hunt starts for new police chief Transparency call on police chief
(about 4 hours later)
The search is beginning for a new head of Dyfed-Powys Police after the sudden departure of its chief constable as an investigation is carried out. An investigation into alleged police computer misuse by Dyfed-Powys' chief constable has been dropped after his sudden retirement, it has emerged.
The retirement of Terry Grange, 58, was announced amid an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and misuse of the police computer system. But a claim of financial irregularities against Terry Grange is being examined as a potential criminal investigation.
The news shocked politicians, with one calling it "a bolt from the blue". The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the computer claim no longer applied because it was a conduct issue covered by police regulations.
Acting deputy chief constable Andy Edwards said the force "would continue to maintain its high standards". One MP said the claims must be examined "with the utmost transparency".
The announcement was confirmed by the Dyfed-Powys Police Authority, which said it had accepted with regret his retirement with immediate effect. The unexpected departure of Mr Grange on Monday shocked several politicians, and with the search beginning for a replacement, worries were voiced about the potential impact on policing.
Hopefully new leadership for the Dyfed-Powys force can be found quickly and this episode can be put behind us Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb They can go through the motions and publish a report but unless it turns into a criminal investigation, that, I think, would be the end of the matter Gary Mason, former Police Review editor, on the IPCC
It said Mr Grange "had indicated that he had allowed his private life to interfere with his professional role". Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas, AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said: "I hope that a new police chief can be put in place as quickly and efficiently as possible and that this matter does not overshadow the excellent work that is done by front line police in the county."
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb called for a replacement chief constable to be found soon. Adam Price, the MP for the same constituency, said: "I held a meeting with Terrence Grange only a little over a week ago and was given no indication that he was on the verge of stepping down.
"It would be wrong to speculate on the nature or outcome of the ongoing investigation," he said. "The allegations against Mr Grange are concerning and must be investigated with the utmost transparency."
"Hopefully new leadership for the Dyfed-Powys force can be found quickly and this episode can be put behind us." They spoke as the IPCC confirmed that his departure meant it would investigate only one of two allegations.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating allegations against Mr Grange.
TERRY GRANGE Terry Grange is married with three adult daughtersJoined the Army at 15, serving with the Parachute BrigadeHas a Masters degree in public servicesJoined the Metropolitan Police in 1971Joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1988, becoming assistant chief constable in 1994Became Dyfed-Powys chief constable in 2000TERRY GRANGE Terry Grange is married with three adult daughtersJoined the Army at 15, serving with the Parachute BrigadeHas a Masters degree in public servicesJoined the Metropolitan Police in 1971Joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1988, becoming assistant chief constable in 1994Became Dyfed-Powys chief constable in 2000
Gary Mason, a former editor of the Police Review, said normally in this sort of case an officer could be fined or reduced in rank, but added: "Clearly, in this case this wouldn't apply because the individual involved is already retired on a full pension." The IPCC said the financial irregularities allegation was brought to its attention a couple of weeks ago, and it would examine if there was enough evidence to submit a file to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Mason said there was not much the IPCC could do: "They can go through the motions and publish a report but unless itturns into a criminal investigation, that, I think, would be the end of the matter." The watchdog body said it would make "a detailed public statement in due course".
Mr Edwards said the area would not be affected by Mr Grange's retirement. Dyfed-Powys Police Authority announced on Monday that it had accepted "with regret" his retirement with immediate effect.
"The force has an enviable reputation for performance and enjoys a close relationship with its many communities throughout the force area," he said. It said Mr Grange "had indicated that he had allowed his private life to interfere with his professional role".
'Outstanding year''Outstanding year'
Gary Mason, a former editor of the Police Review, said normally in this sort of case an officer could be fined or reduced in rank, but added: "Clearly, in this case this wouldn't apply because the individual involved is already retired on a full pension."
Mr Mason said there was not much the IPCC could do: "They can go through the motions and publish a report but unless it turns into a criminal investigation, that, I think, would be the end of the matter."
Acting deputy chief constable Andy Edwards said the force "would continue to maintain its high standards".
"The force has an enviable reputation for performance and enjoys a close relationship with its many communities throughout the force area," said Mr Edwards.
"None of that will be compromised as a result of Mr Grange's retirement, following his long and successful association with the force."None of that will be compromised as a result of Mr Grange's retirement, following his long and successful association with the force.
"He leaves the organisation with another outstanding year's figures in respect of all aspects of operational performance.""He leaves the organisation with another outstanding year's figures in respect of all aspects of operational performance."
The IPCC said: "Although the chief constable has now retired the IPCC is continuing its independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
"It would be inappropriate for the IPCC to comment further at this stage but it will make a detailed public statement in due course."
The IPCC had announced last Thursday that it was investigating an unnamed Dyfed-Powys officer over "misuse of the police computer system and alleged financial irregularities".The IPCC had announced last Thursday that it was investigating an unnamed Dyfed-Powys officer over "misuse of the police computer system and alleged financial irregularities".
The IPCC confirmed on Monday that Mr Grange is that officer.The IPCC confirmed on Monday that Mr Grange is that officer.
John Antoniazzi, a former chairman of Dyfed-Powys Police Authority, said he was greatly surprised.John Antoniazzi, a former chairman of Dyfed-Powys Police Authority, said he was greatly surprised.
"He led the force to a very high position in the 43 forces of England and Wales and we are very proud of that position, a position he held for some time.""He led the force to a very high position in the 43 forces of England and Wales and we are very proud of that position, a position he held for some time."