AN investigation into allegations of misconduct involving a police force's civilian head of its standards and ethics department is continuing two years after she was suspended.

Cristiana Emsley was removed from her position at Cleveland Police at the end of June 2020 and is still waiting to learn the outcome of the probe in allegations made against her.

Ms Emsley was involved in a number of high-profile disciplinary hearings involving the force which have come to a conclusion in the time she has been barred from returning to work.

The civilian employee was the 'appropriate authority' at the beginning of the investigation into allegations that Superintendent Bev Gill had acted inappropriately by 'tipping off' a colleague he was under investigation himself for sexual misconduct.

The allegations involved Detective Inspector Simon Hurwood, who has since resigned after his behaviour towards more than 20 women came to light.

The Northern Echo: Cristiana EmsleyCristiana Emsley

However, the case against the senior officer collapsed in March when it was ruled that she would not be able to have a fair hearing.

During the hearing, she said the investigation against her had been “biased, flawed and inherently unfair”.

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Supt Gill blamed Cleveland Police’s ex-chief constable, Mike Veale, and its former civilian head of standards and ethics, Cristiana Emsley.

Speaking after the gross misconduct charges were dropped, Ms Gill said: “I have strenuously denied all the claims made against me throughout and have challenged the process that has been followed.

“I question the motivation behind the investigation, which I believe has lacked any legitimacy, something my legal representatives have continuously raised.”

Mr Veale faces gross misconduct proceedings for allegedly breaching professional standards while he led Cleveland Police. He stepped down in 2019.

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When he was in charge of Wiltshire Police, he led a controversial inquiry into sexual allegations against late prime minister Sir Edward Heath.

Ms Emsley, the suspended senior member of civilian staff at the force, was the first non-warranted director of its standards and ethics department.

In January 2017, the-then Chief Constable Iain Spittal announced that the professional standards department (PSD), which investigates complaints, misconduct allegations and wrongdoing amongst officers, would be disbanded.

Cleveland Police confirmed the investigation continues.

A spokeswoman said: “A senior member of Cleveland Police staff remains suspended as the subject of a misconduct investigation.”

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