Senior West Yorkshire detective on drink drive charge

One of West Yorkshire Police’s most senior detectives was charged with a drink driving offence.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd May 2014, 08:51 BST
Det Chief Supt David KnopwoodDet Chief Supt David Knopwood
Det Chief Supt David Knopwood

Det Chief Supt David Knopwood, head of the force’s protective services, has been suspended from duty after being arrested on Monday night.

He was stopped by North Yorkshire Police officers in Knaresborough at 11.30pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 48-year-old officer has been head of West Yorkshire Police’s protective services since November, when the force’s Crime Division and Homicide and Major Enquiry Team merged.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the department is now being led on an interim basis by Acting Chief Dept Sup Mark Ridley.

The North Yorkshire force has confirmed Knopwood was arrested on Stockwell Lane, Knaresborough, on suspicion of drink driving. He will appear before magistrates later this month charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath.

West Yorkshire Police’s Head of Professional Standards, Det Chief Supt Andy Brennan said: “An off duty West Yorkshire Police Officer was arrested and subsequently charged with a drink driving offence by North Yorkshire Police on Monday 28th April. The officer, who is in his 40s and based in Wakefield, has subsequently been suspended from duty.”