Police chief suspended for alleged gross misconduct

Chief Constable Jason Hogg is being investigated for gross misconduct

The head of one of England's largest police forces 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."

"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.

The force serves a population of 2.34m people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and is the fifth largest police force in England, with about 1,200 officers and staff.

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.

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.