A ROW over "double standards" broke out last night after the beleaguered Chief Constable of Cleveland was allowed to remain in charge of the force - despite being placed under investigation.

Barry Shaw has not been suspended from duty, even though he has been accused of being implicated in a "dirty tricks" campaign against Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon.

Both Mr Mallon and Mr Shaw have been accused of leaking information to the media.

Mr Mallon has been suspended since 1997, as part of the Operation Lancet inquiry - but Cleveland Police Authority decided yesterday that Mr Shaw can continue working while he is investigated.

June Goodchild, who has constantly campaigned for Mr Mallon to be reinstated, said: "I am really furious.

"It is just double standards - there is obviously one rule for one, and one rule for another.

"Ray Mallon was suspended over allegations he leaked things to the press and that is what Shaw has been accused of, but he still has his job.

"This has done nothing for the image of Cleveland Police."

A senior civilian employee is understood to have used whistle-blowing legislation to accuse Mr Shaw of approving the leaking to a national newspaper of a confidential Treasury Counsel report critical of Mr Mallon's style of zero tolerance policing.

It was this accusation which was considered by the police authority yesterday in a three-hour closed meeting.

It could have recommended that Mr Shaw was suspended while the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, Michael Hedges, began his investigation, but instead decided to let him continue as head of Cleveland Police.

The authority said in a statement: "Having considered reports and advice from its Lead Officer, Independent Clerk Advisor and Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, the authority resolved that the Chief Constable should continue his normal duties during the investigation."

Speaking about the authority's decision, Mr Shaw said: "It is a difficult time but the force should not be diverted from the excellent work officers and support staff are doing in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets."

Mr Mallon, who is still suspended despite being cleared of any criminal activities, refused to comment last night.

But his supporters, including Ashok Kumar, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, expressed shock at the authority's decision.

Dr Kumar said: "Obviously another investigation is underway and I am surprised that no-one has been suspended.

"It seems disciplinary offences may have been committed and it is unusual that no-one has been suspended. I am also concerned that this investigation does not take the same length of time as the Lancet Operation and the force becomes racked by conflict and internal investigations."

Since Operation Lancet cleared Mr Mallon of any criminal wrongdoing, there have been calls for Mr Shaw to step down.

Senior Government advisor Lord Mackenzie has said he should be suspended while an investigation is carried out into the leaking complaint.

The Association of Chief Police Officers has also said it is normal for a Chief Constable to be suspended for the duration of any investigation into his actions.

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