October 17th 2023.
Mr Adderley, the police chief from Northamptonshire Police, has been suspended from his role after a complaint was made from a member of the public. An independent investigation has been set up to look into allegations that Mr Adderley wore a medal for fighting in the Falklands War, despite being only 15 at the time of the conflict.
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said it was in the public interest, the interest of the force, and of the Chief Constable himself that Adderley was suspended until the investigation was complete. Mr Mold added that allegations of misconduct must always be fully, independently investigated so that the public has confidence in the integrity of the police service.
The suspension will be kept under regular review as the investigation progresses. Chief Constable Adderley is understood to have enlisted in the Navy in 1984 aged 18, two years after the Falklands War ended. He was in the cadets from the age of 15. Video footage has shown how the boss wore the South Atlantic Medal, which was awarded to British military personnel who served in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Nick Adderley will be interviewed and is under investigation for potential offences of misconduct in public office and fraud. They have also served a gross misconduct notice on the Chief Constable for potential breaches of police professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions and conduct.
Chief Constable Adderley previously said he was 'very proud of his Cadet, Royal Navy and Police Service', adding he also wears medals awarded to his brothers with no further clarification. He added that he had taken advice regarding the protocol and had changed the side of his chest on which these medals were worn.
It is not an offence in the UK for individuals to wear medals or decorations that they were not awarded. However, it is an offence to wear a military medal without permission, according to the UK Parliament's briefing on Stolen Valour.
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