Former Northumbria Police chief quits current job

Jul 25 2010 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

A NORTHUMBRIA Police chief who left the force to take a top role in the Channel Islands is to quit.

Dave Warcup blamed “political hostility” and attacks on his honesty for the decision to stand down as Acting Chief Officer on Jersey.

Mr Warcup made headlines in 2008 when he retired as Deputy Chief Constable of Northumbria at the age of 50.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance pressure group criticised the way he received a £300,000 lump sum, as well as a £60,000-a-year pension and then took up a £100,000-a-year post in the tax haven.

But Mr Warcup moved to Jersey as a bitter row raged over the handling of an inquiry into alleged abuse at the Haut de la Garenne children’s home.

Jersey’s Chief Officer Graham Power was suspended as a £1 million inquiry was launched into the way the investigation had been carried out.

Mr Power was exonerated and has since retired but Mr Warcup also came under fire from campaigners who claim the abuse claims were not properly-investigated.

They also accused him of undermining Mr Power.

Now Mr Warcup has announced he will leave the force at the end of the year due to the campaigners delaying his appointment to the top post.

He has not yet decided what he plans to do and it has not been revealed if a financial package has been offered.

Mr Warcup said: “In April 2008, I was appointed as Deputy Chief Officer, with the express intention that I would progress to be the next Chief Officer when the serving Chief Officer retired, no later than December 2010.