Former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Dismissed for Gross Misconduct Over False Military Claims

Former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable, Nick Adderley, has been dismissed for gross misconduct following false claims regarding his military service. The allegations against Adderley included fabricating his rank and military achievements, such as being a negotiator in Haiti in the 1980s.

Throughout the five-day gross misconduct hearing, Adderley denied the accusations, but a three-person panel upheld all claims against him. The panel’s decision resulted in Adderley’s immediate dismissal without notice and placement on the barred police list.

Adderley, who had been suspended on his full salary of £176,550 per year since last October, expressed regret for the pain he caused to veterans of the armed forces, emphasizing his family’s proud military background.

Northamptonshire Police Commissioner, Danielle Stone, acknowledged the need to rebuild public trust and integrity after the incident, which attracted negative attention to the department.

The allegations came to light when doubts were raised about the authenticity of Adderley’s wearing of a Falklands War medal, a situation that ultimately led to the investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC inquiry highlighted Adderley’s “audacity” in constructing a false military history over several years, with the panel ultimately finding all allegations against him proven.

Despite the dismissal and tarnished reputation, Adderley expressed his deep regret for failing to uphold professional standards, signaling the end of his 32-year policing career.

Following his dismissal, there have been additional allegations of fraud related to the maintenance of police vehicles, an issue currently under investigation by Staffordshire Police.