Police deny

SUFFOLK police has denied allegations of a "cover up" in the investigation into a detective's claims against a fellow officer.

Detective chief inspector Jim Friend, of the force's integrity and intelligence unit, was responding to accusations Vivienne Yarham's grievances were not looked into.

The 44-year-old former detective constable was claiming constructive unfair dismissal against Suffolk police at an employment tribunal in Bury St Edmunds.

Speaking yesterday, on the final day of the hearing, DCI Friend said: "It certainly wasn't a cover up."

"Investigating a police officer is a very difficult job. But that doesn't mean we don't do it."

His comments came after it was revealed neither Dc Yarham nor Dc Steve Rowland were asked to expand on written statements they had submitted.

Dc Yarham had accused Dc Rowland of falsifying evidence in order to secure payment for one of his informers.

She also alleged he had laid a carpet during work hours and also had unsupervised contact with his informants, something that was against force policy.

The tribunal panel was also told Dc Rowland and a colleague had visited a crack house after drinking alcohol and at a time when they were off duty.

It was said these premises were under investigation at the time and the officers' actions could have compromised this.

But DCI Friend said Dc Yarham was not asked to explain her allegations, while Dc Rowland had no opportunity to defend them.

He said: "The taking of a witness statement was seen as pointless."

The tribunal was told Dc Yarham had been described as "paranoid" by her line manager, detective sergeant Stan Nichols.

This was said to infer Dc Yarham may have had a mental illness.

But this claim was rubbished by both superintendent Dave Cole and detective superintendent Paul Marshall.

Supt Cole had said he had been planning a meeting of the criminal investigation department to "dispel" any rumours.

He added the suggestion put forward by Ds Nichols had been "unprofessional" and "inappropriate"

Despite recognising this, Supt Cole said he did not speak to the officer about his use of words.

Addressing the tribunal, Supt Cole said: "On reflection… that may have been a failure on my part.

"Ds Nicholls was a very experienced officer who I respected and trusted. On reflection, his terminology may not have been appropriate."

Det supt Marshall said his investigation into the matter found Dc Yarham had done nothing wrong was a "very good source handler".

However, he found Dc Rowland's contact with his informants was not "fully in accordance with force policy".

He added it was "understandable" Dc Yarham had not wanted to return to work until she had received answers to all of her concerns. She resigned in October last year.

The panel is due to make a decision by October.