Troubled police force advertises for new Deputy Chief Constable (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Cleveland Police advertises for new Deputy Chief Constable

6:07pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

A POLICE force is advertising for a deputy chief constable as the current incumbent faces a disciplinary hearing.

An advert on the Cleveland Police website shows that the force is looking for candidates to apply for the £109,782 job by April 4. The appointment is for a five-year fixed term.

Derek Bonnard is facing seven gross misconduct charges during the disciplinary hearing, which is being chaired by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Police.

The independent panel started examining evidence on Monday after Mr Bonnard failed in an attempt to delay the proceedings.

Yesterday (Monday), it was revealed the 50-year-old was taking his force to an employment tribunal, claiming he was overlooked for the Chief Constable’s job despite being suspended from duty since August 2011.

It is understood that Mr Bonnard’s contract is due to run out later this year.

Prospective candidates are invited to attend an open day of the force’s headquarters in Middlesbrough on Tuesday, March 26 when Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer will be on hand to explain the challenges and changes Cleveland Police is facing.