Deputy chief constable retired amid misconduct claim

Former Gloucestershire Deputy Chief Constable Shaun West denies misconduct allegations

A police force's deputy chief constable (DCC) retired over the summer amid a misconduct investigation, it has been revealed.

The circumstances in which DCC Shaun West left his post at Gloucestershire Constabulary only came to light after the force's current Chief Constable, Rod Hansen, was suspended over an allegation of gross misconduct.

Mr West "is under criminal investigation in relation to a number of serious allegations including assault and misconduct in public office", the force confirmed.

It leaves the two most senior positions vacant at the authority.

The Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA), representing Mr West, confirmed that he is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"Shaun denies the criminal and gross misconduct allegations and is co-operating fully with the investigation," a CPOSA spokesperson said.

Sgt Steve James said news of the misconduct investigation came as a "shock"

Sgt Steve James, branch chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, confirmed to the BBC that the investigation into Mr West was ongoing.

"That misconduct investigation, as I understand it, is still under way but in the meantime he is retired from the service," added Sgt James.

He said that it would be unlikely that the public would see any impact on "day-to-day service delivery".

Sgt James added that would be "a ramification in terms of the strategic leadership and governance of the force with those roles currently vacant".

Gloucestershire Constabulary said that Mr West retired in June 2024, and he also remains subject to an IOPC investigation.

Mr West was suspended by Chief Constable Hansen in January 2024 after the IOPC launched an investigation.

Gloucestershire Constabulary reassured people that the remaining members of the Chief Officer Group (COG) and the wider Executive Board will provide continuity of leadership until a temporary Chief Constable is in place.

'Cause tension'

In relation to the suspension of Mr Hansen, former Chief Constable Dr Tim Brain, who retired from the force in 2010, told the BBC: "In an organisation as complex and dynamic as a police force you need a clearly-defined leader who is the focus for not only the strategic focus of the force but also it's morale, cohesiveness and momentum."

He added that when a chief constable is absent for any "prolonged period" it will cause "tension".

"It's going to cause some diminishment in that morale and that momentum," added Dr Brain.

"What it shouldn't do is cause any problems about the technical ability of the force to function, because there are processes in place that will overcome the temporary absence of that leader, ensure the legalities carry on, ensure that the plan in place carries on."

He said it was "not unprecedented for a temporary chief constable to be brought in from outside", explaining that there were processes in place for either a recently-retired chief constable or a suitably-qualified deputy chief constable from another force area to step in.

"The new incumbent has to take very early steps to get around the force, get to know the individuals, get to know the issues and step into those shoes very quickly," added Dr Brain.

Dr Tim Brain said police forces need "a defined leader"

While the details of the investigation into Mr Hansen have not been released, a spokesperson for the IOPC said the claims relate to his handling of an allegation against a member of the force in August.

It also confirmed that the investigation follows a referral in August from the office of the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Chris Nelson.

Mr Nelson said he had suspended Mr Hansen pending the outcome of the investigation.

"I will 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 added that his team were working to identify a temporary chief constable to lead the force.