Accused police chief faces investigation for wearing Falklands War medal

A police chief, accused of wearing a medal from the Falklands War despite being just 15 years old at the time of the conflict, has been suspended. Chief Constable Nick Adderley, aged 57, serving with Northamptonshire Police, is now under investigation by an independent body.The matter began with a complaint from a member of the public, leading to a mandatory referral to the Independent Office For Police Conduct. Stephen Mold, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, has stated that the suspension is in the interest of the public, the force, and Chief Constable Adderley. He emphasised the importance of independent investigations into allegations of misconduct to maintain public confidence in the police service.The suspension will be reviewed regularly as the investigation progresses. Chief Constable Adderley joined the Navy in 1984 at the age of 18, two years after the Falklands War ended. He had been a cadet from the age of 15.

Video footage has shown Chief Constable Adderley wearing the South Atlantic Medal, which was awarded to British military personnel who served in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina. The accusations, if proven true, suggest an element of fantasising akin to the fictional character Walter Mitty.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating Chief Constable Adderley for potential offences of misconduct in public office and fraud. An IOPC spokesperson clarified that they had served a gross misconduct notice on the Chief Constable for potential breaches of police professional standards related to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, and conduct.

In the UK, it is not illegal for individuals to wear medals or decorations 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.