Deputy chief constable sues Nottinghamshire Police

The outgoing Deputy Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police is taking legal action against the force.

Howard Roberts, who held the post for seven years, has not had his contract renewed in a restructuring programme.

In recent months the force has faced a series of critical official reports and has brought in advisors to improve standards.

It is understood that Mr Roberts is claiming victimisation, under the whistleblowing laws.

Mr Roberts has recently been openly critical of the amount of money being spent on restructuring the force.

Nottinghamshire Police and the police authority have both said they cannot comment until the claim has been dealt with.

The force added that Mr Roberts' comments on the restructuring measures were "a personal view".

At the beginning of 2010 the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), brought in a team of outside experts after what it called "consistent under-performance".

In March the force received the lowest grades in three key areas in "report cards" published by the HMIC.

But in April new figures showed overall crime in Nottinghamshire had fallen by 15% over the past year.