PCC still searching for replacement chief constable

Gloucestershire does not currently have anyone who could temporarily step in.

A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is still searching for a replacement after the chief constable was suspended over allegations of gross misconduct.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it is investigating allegations against Rod Hansen, Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Gloucestershire does not currently have anyone who could temporarily step in, as former deputy chief constable Shaun West retired in the summer amid an ongoing misconduct investigation.

It is now up to Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire's PCC, to find a qualified replacement. In the meantime, he assured the public the force would be "operating as normal".

Mr Wilkinson said the situation was "highly unusual"

The IOPC said it was Mr Hansen's handling of an allegation against a member of the force in August which sparked the investigation into his conduct.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, who is currently the highest rank at the force, said he recognised there could be "quite a high degree" of public concern.

"My message is around reassurance that operationally, the constabulary is the same as it was prior to these events happening," Mr Ocone told BBC Points West.

Max Wilkinson, MP for Cheltenham, said: "This is a highly unusual and very concerning situation.

"There are concerns about costs to the tax payer, trusting policing and also about morale of the police in general."

Mr Wilkinson added that there is a "limited pool" of qualified people available, thereby putting the PCC in the "difficult position" of finding a replacement.

He raised his concerns at parliament on Thursday.

Mr Nelson says Mr Hansen has been suspended "pending the outcome of an investigation"

In a statement released last week, Mr Nelson said the suspension was a "neutral act", and by no means indicative of a guilty verdict.

He added: “I know that this will come as a shock to many in the county, especially to our hard working officers and staff, and to our partner organisations.

"But it is right that any allegations are dealt with consistently and investigated properly, thoroughly and swiftly.

"I have every confidence that the IOPC will do exactly that."

The BBC has approached Mr Nelson for comment.