Former chief constable Craig Guildford ‘to face misconduct investigation’
Craig Guildford, the former chief constable of West Midlands Police, was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Guildford retired on Friday after losing the confidence of Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending the Aston Villa match.
He faced numerous calls to resign after admitting he had presented false evidence to MPs; Including a denial that artificial intelligence was used in the preparation of a report that led to the ban of supporters of the Israeli club.
Guildford is understood to have been referred to the IOPC by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster for possible gross misconduct.
In a statement released on Monday, Foster addressed the controversy surrounding the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban and the lead-up to Guildford’s eventual resignation.
“These matters have had a significant impact on public trust and the trust of certain communities in the West Midlands. This is unacceptable,” he said.
“The Force knows that I expect them to adhere to the highest standards of conduct at all times.
“I will therefore be making a voluntary submission today to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding any conduct of the former Chief Constable in relation to these incidents.”
You have a commissioner He also faced calls to resign On the decision not to dismiss Guildford.
Before Monday’s announcement, Stephen Silverman of the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “The police and crime commission evaded, delayed and refused to get rid of Mr Guildford when it was quite clear that was the only way possible.
Gideon Falter, the campaign’s chief executive, added that the decision was a “pathetic failure” by Foster.
Guildford, 52, who announced his retirement on Friday, did not apologize and blamed what he called “political and media frenzy” for his decision to resign.
“I have carefully considered my position and have concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organization, myself and my family,” he said.
“It has been the honor of my career to serve as chief constable of West Midlands Police.”
