Some of you may remember this thread from last years horrific accident at Plumpton on the A6 in Cumbria.
If you read through, you will see some references to an Superintendent Turnbull, and statements attributed to him in the press.
I now see that I was not the only person to feel some disquiet at Superintendent Turnbull's MO.
Police inspector takes his boss to a tribunalPublished on 16/01/2007
By Dave Gudgeon
A SERVING Cumbrian police officer has taken his own chief constable to a tribunal – just weeks after receiving a commendation from him.
Inspector Iain Clark has taken the step after a breakdown in his relationship with one of his commanding officers, Superintendent Steve Turnbull.
He claims his boss, who has now retired from the force, did not take his claims of being overworked seriously and responded by attacking his performance.
Inspector Clark, who was concerned about his health after suffering stress and depression, asked for an independent inquiry to be set up into his complaints.
But after that intervention by Northumbria police, he says he was switched from his specialist role with the Mobile Support Group to more ‘demeaning’ duties in west Cumbria.
Inspector Clark, who has been an officer since 1979, is now pursuing a case through an employment tribunal hearing in Carlisle. He claims his career has been affected detrimentally.
Last October he received an award from chief constable Michael Baxter for his part in helping to convict Noel Young for causing the death of a man by dangerous driving. Young received a nine-year jail term for crashing a Lamborghini which was travelling at 100mph on the A7 north of Carlisle, killing a father-of-three.
Inspector Clark said he was given the role of senior investigating officer in that inquiry, which lasted for eight months, in November 2004. He also in charge of three traffic groups.
He was working under extreme pressure and made representations to Superintendent Turnbull but in return he received negative feedback and criticism.
He became ill and went to the force’s medical adviser. A report was sent to his boss and the force’s personnel department expressing concern for his well-being.
When he returned to work he raised the matter with Chief Superintendent John Taylor, who is now retired, and at a meeting also involving Mr Turnbull issues were raised about his performance.
Inspector Clark said: “I regarded those as trivial.” He said his appraisal reviews were all good.
An inquiry was launched into his grievances by Northumbria police but he said the supervising officer was
Christine Twigg, Cumbria’s deputy chief constable.
It was not, therefore independent. He said it came up a recommendation that he and Superintendent Turnbull could not work together but it was him who was switched to new duties. The tribunal continues.
DGudgeon@cngroup.co.uk
It would appear that Cumbria Constabulary's methods of investigating complaints and grievances leave a bitter taste!
Clearly a proven competent officer has had to take measures against his employers, due to the actions of another.
It implies that the "management" have closed ranks to protect the reputation of one of their own, at the expense of the career of a lower rank officer.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Members
