Senior Surrey Police officers suspended

May 22 2009 By Steve Bax

Surrey Police has suspended two senior officers over allegations of avoiding speeding penalties.

The force released the following statements in the last few minutes:

"Surrey Police Chief Superintendent Adrian Harper, Divisional Commander for East Surrey division, and West Surrey division’s Superintendent Johnny Johncox have been suspended today (Friday 22 May) for alleged dishonest conduct regarding the avoidance of speeding penalties.

"The suspensions are as a result of a review carried out by Surrey Police Professional Standards Department into the granting of exemptions to police officers and staff for speeding and red traffic signal offences. While the vast majority of exemptions were granted for sound operational reasons, the review raised concerns about the exemption applications and approvals within the Force for a very limited number of cases.

"Surrey Police made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which is now managing the investigation. The IPCC has approved a file being sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision in relation to prosecution.

"It is not appropriate for Surrey Police to make any further comments at this stage.

"Charlie Doyle will be the temporary Divisional Commander for East Surrey division and Ian Chandler temporary Superintendent (Operations) for West Surrey division."