I WAS appalled to read the result of the investigation into no less a person than our chief constable which showed that he was guilty of gross abuse of his position, but allowed to keep his job (The Press, May 11).

This sort of conduct, pulling strings to benefit friends and family, is something that we hear of in The Third World, hardly here in Yorkshire.

Not only that, he used his high office to thwart and delay the inevitable inquiry.

Wielding power in such a way brings our conception of the police force down in general and further decreases the respect for all the hardworking and honest policemen. They have a difficult enough job already without this sort of thing at the very top of their ranks.

I trust that he is now going to do the decent thing and resign.

Steve Helsdon, Howe Hill Close, Holgate, York.

• HAVING read what Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell has gone through over a relative being pushed through the system to be selected for a job, I think there must be worse acts of behaviour within the police service that never come to light.

I am not sure whether we go a bit over the top on publicity over the years. Many big companies and firms have done this for years and you hear of incidents like this.

Many years ago, Rowntree had generations of families working in the same factory, pushing each other forward for all sorts of jobs. I cannot see any problem in recommending a relative who wishes to pursue employment in the police or any other job in the public sector.

This type of selection has gone on for years whatever the industry – it’s nothing new. I wonder how many in high managerial positions have done something similar.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.

• GRAHAME Maxwell was investigated and found guilty, but he has not been let off lightly now, so let him be.

Yes, he made an error of judgement. Who would not try and help a family member get a job? He was not getting a family member out of breaking the law.

It was against police protocol, but he did not break the law. The case should be now finished. Let him get on with his life. I don’t think it’s as bad as Della Canning spending thousands on a shower.

Wojciech Simpson, Chestnut Grove, New Earswick, York.