Police chief suspended for gross misconduct

The head of England’s largest non-metropolitan police force has been suspended from his role with immediate effect.

Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner said Chief Constable Jason Hogg is currently being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for gross misconduct.

The investigation includes concerns that Mr Hogg failed to adequately investigate allegations of improper storage of sensitive police information.

PCC Matthew Barber said an interim appointment would be made by the end of January.

In a statement, Mr Barber said the IOPC investigation related to alleged “failures of duties and responsibilities and breaches of standards of professional conduct leading to a lack of honesty and integrity”.

He said: “This announcement will be a shock to many people in Thames Valley, particularly our hard-working police officers and staff, but it is right that any allegations of this serious nature are dealt with proactively and investigated appropriately and thoroughly. Go.”

“I emphasize that the decision to suspend is a neutral act.”

“It has no bearing on any indication of crime and should not be viewed that way,” he said.

Mr Hogg was appointed as the head of TVP in april 2023And has been with the force since 2016.

Mr Barber said current Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs would lead the force until an interim appointment was made.

He said there was no criminal investigation against the chief constable.

The BBC has contacted Thames Valley Police and the IOPC requesting comment, which TVP has declined.