Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Terry Grange was allowed to step down because his behaviour raised questions about his judgement, police chiefs have said.
The Police Authority has hit back at critics after an emergency meeting to discuss his rapid departure.
The 58-year-old married father-of-three retired with immediate effect on Monday when it was disclosed he was under investigation.
He had met members of the authority at police headquarters, near Carmarthen, south Wales, to ask for support but it was refused.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating allegations of potentially criminal financial irregularities.
The authority has been under fire from critics who claimed the police chief had been “let off the hook” by being allowed to leave.
“The nature of the allegations was such that they required immediate consideration,” a statement from the police authority claimed.
“As an officer with 36-years service Mr Grange had the right to seek to retire. The emergency committee considered that there were issues in front of them that raised questions about Mr Grange’s judgement and it was important to maintain confidence within the authority, force and our communities.
“It therefore decided that it was in the public interest that his offer to retire should be accepted.”
Share this article:
What are these?