The Chief Constable of North Yorkshire and his deputy are being investigated over allegations they helped relatives in a police recruitment exercise.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said said it will manage investigations into allegations against former West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell, his Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs and two other members of police staff.

In a statement, the IPCC said the allegations related to a recruitment exercise last month.

The force’s launch of a recruitment hotline hit the headlines when more than 200,000 people tried to get through to show interest in 60 jobs. At one point the phone system crashed due to the level of calls.

The IPCC said: “The exercise encountered technical difficulties on the first two nights with consequent frustration for many potential applicants.

“It is alleged the Chief Constable, Grahame Maxwell, gave assistance to one of his own relatives and a relative of Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs. It is also alleged Deputy Chief Con Briggs gave assistance to that same relative.

“Additionally, and separately, two police staff members are alleged to have used their positions to circumvent the initial phase to benefit themselves and one other person.”

The commission said an investigation into the allegations against the two senior officers is being conducted by Chief Constable Mike Cunningham from Staffordshire Police.

The inquiry relating to the two other members of staff, who have not been named, will be carried out by North Yorkshire Police’s professional standards department.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: “These allegations are extremely concerning, particularly the aspect involving the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable. As they concern the integrity of the two most senior officers in North Yorkshire Police, it is in the public interest that the IPCC is involved.

“I will therefore ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted.”

Last month North Yorkshire Police said they had been overwhelmed by an “unprecedented” response when 20,000 people called in one day to apply for 60 jobs as officers.

The next day, the force said the number had passed 350,000.

Mr Maxwell has been a police officer for 25 years.

He is the Association of Chief Police Officers’ lead on the fight against human trafficking and is the programme director for the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre.

North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross said: “In respect of the IPCC investigations, our principal concern is to reassure applicants and the communities we serve that our recruitment process is fair and transparent.

“To that end, North Yorkshire Police is currently conducting a very thorough integrity assurance exercise.

“North Yorkshire Police will fully co-operate with the IPCC investigations into the allegations against members of North Yorkshire Police.

“Indeed, the Police Authority, in conjunction with North Yorkshire Police, made a voluntary referral of the matters to the IPCC at an early stage.”

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