Derbyshire police chief investigated by watchdog

Derbyshire Constabulary's Chief Constable has been investigated by the police watchdog over a 'potential off-duty conduct matter'.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ruled there was no breach of professional standards by Peter Goodman. 

Mr Goodman, who has been chief constable for the last three years, is due to retire at the end of July after 32 years in policing and serving 13 years in Derbyshire as part of the chief officer team.

The force has said his decision to retire is not related to any personal matters and the IOPC has not revealed what the matter is. 

An IOPC spokesperson said: "Following a referral from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Derbyshire, we looked into a potential off-duty conduct matter concerning the Chief Constable.

"Having assessed the available evidence, we considered that there was no indication of any breach of professional standards, and consulted with the PCC who agreed with our assessment.

"We have since advised the PCC and Chief Constable that our enquiries have ended.

"Under regulations brought in earlier this year as a result of changes made by the Policing and Crime Act, any conduct matters concerning Chief Constables have to be referred to the IOPC and investigated." 

Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa, commented: "Under the current regulations, I was required to refer a possible conduct matter relating to the Chief Constable to the IOPC.

"Following a swift investigation, they found that there was no indication of any breach of professional conduct. The matter is therefore closed and I have nothing further to say at this time." 

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary added: "Any concerns that are raised over the conduct of the Chief Constable are dealt with by the PCC who employs him and not the constabulary. These are then referred to the IOPC.

"Unless there are matters of public concern, Chief Constable Goodman’s personal life is just that. No allegations were made against him.

"Chief Constable Goodman’s initial notification to retire was given at the beginning of March. A decision was then made to extend his service to deal with the immediate issues relating to the Covid crisis.

"The decision to retire was not in any way related to any personal matters."