Durham PCC Faces Watchdog Investigation

2 October 2013, 16:19 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The Police Watchdog's investigating Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, over benefits payments.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating employee benefits provided to Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner during his time as a senior officer with a neighbouring force.

Allegations that Ron Hogg knowingly accepted benefits he was not entitled to while serving as Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland police were referred to the IPCC by Durham's Police and Crime Panel.

The allegations were passed to the IPCC after the Panel received information from officers working on Operation Sacristy, an ongoing criminal investigation into individuals with past and present associations with Cleveland Police Authority.

Following an assessment of the referral made by Durham's Police and Crime Panel, the IPCC has launched its own independent investigation that will be overseen by Commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone.

Mr Dipple-Johnstone said:
"The IPCC investigation will look at whether benefits Mr Hogg received before his departure from Cleveland police were properly in line with rules in place at the time.

We will carry out a thorough and independent inquiry to establish the facts before deciding whether any matters should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for its consideration."