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Police chief suspended for alleged gross misconduct | Police chief suspended for alleged gross misconduct |
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Chief Constable Jason Hogg is being investigated for gross misconduct | Chief Constable Jason Hogg is being investigated for gross misconduct |
The head of England's largest non-metropolitan police force has been suspended from his role with immediate effect. | The head of England's largest non-metropolitan police force has been suspended from his role with immediate effect. |
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating Thames Valley Police (TVP) Chief Constable Jason Hogg for gross misconduct. | |
It said concerns that Mr Hogg failed to adequately investigate allegations around the improper retention of sensitive police information between 2016 and 2020 were being probed. | |
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said an interim appointment would be made by the end of January. | |
In a statement, Steve Noonan, the IOPC's director of operations, said the investigation related to concerns that Mr Hogg had failed to properly investigate allegations that a former senior TVP officer retained a significant amount of sensitive police information after they left the force. | |
Mr Noonan said the investigation did "not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow". | |
"At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings," he said. | |
He also emphasised that no criminal offences had been identified. | |
A second senior TVP officer was also under investigation for potential misconduct, Mr Noonan added. | |
Matthew Barber is Thames Valley PCC | |
In a separate statement, Mr Barber said the IOPC investigation related to alleged "breaches of the standards of professional behaviour amounting to failure in duties and responsibilities, and a lack of honesty and integrity". | |
"This announcement will come as a shock to many across Thames Valley, especially to our hard-working police officers and staff, but it is right that any allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly," he added. | |
"I emphasise that the decision to suspend is a neutral act." | "I emphasise that the decision to suspend is a neutral act." |
"It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such," he said. | "It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such," he said. |
Mr Hogg was appointed as TVP's chief in April 2023, and has been with the force since 2016. | Mr Hogg was appointed as TVP's chief in April 2023, and has been with the force since 2016. |
TVP oversees 2.34 million people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. | |
Current Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will lead the force until the interim appointment is made, Mr Barber said. | Current Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will lead the force until the interim appointment is made, Mr Barber said. |
He added that there was no criminal investigation into the Chief Constable. | He added that there was no criminal investigation into the Chief Constable. |
The IOPC said an investigation into the former senior TVP officer who allegedly retained the sensitive information had concluded, with a file presented to the Crown Prosecution Service - which is now considering the case. | |
The BBC has contacted TVP for a comment. | |
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