Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police suspended during gross misconduct investigation

The Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into gross misconduct.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is looking into the conduct of Chief Constable Jason Hogg, as part of an ongoing independent investigation.

The investigation relates to concerns that he and another senior TVP officer ‘failed to properly investigate allegations’ that a former senior officer ‘retained a significant amount of sensitive police information’ after they left the force.

This was sometime between 2016 and 2020.

IOPC’s investigation began in April 2023 and has determined that allegations against Ch Con Hogg would, if proven, amount to gross misconduct. 

As such, Ch Con Hogg is being served with a notice of investigation for potential gross misconduct.

The relates to alleged breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour ‘regarding honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities.’

A second senior TVP officer is also under investigation for potential misconduct.

IOPC director of operations Steve Noonan said this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow and no criminal offences have been identified.

“At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings,” he said.

Until proceedings have concluded, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber, has suspended Ch Con Hogg ‘with immediate effect’ as of this afternoon (January 16).

This follows a meeting earlier today in which the IOPC informed Mr Barber that allegations against Ch Con Hogg amounted to gross misconduct. 

Mr Barber said: “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.

“As Police & Crime Commissioner it remains my duty to secure the maintenance of an effective and efficient police force. It therefore falls to me to appoint a Temporary Chief Constable.”

The PCC intends to make such an appointment by the end of the month, until which point the Deputy Chief Constable, Ben Snuggs, will fulfil those duties.

“This announcement will come as a shock to many across Thames Valley, especially to our hard-working police officers and staff,” Mr Barber continued.

“But it is right that any allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly.

“I urge the IOPC to conclude their investigations and to present evidence as swiftly as possible.

“In the meantime, I will continue to hold Thames Valley Police accountable for their performance and work closely with the force to ensure the police continue to protect the public, prevent crime and catch criminals.”

A separate related IOPC investigation into the former senior TVP officer’s retention of sensitive information has concluded.

A file of evidence was provided to the Crown Prosecution Service in December to consider potential criminal offences under the Data Protection Act and misconduct in public office.

That investigation was carried out by Surrey Police under the IOPC’s direction and control.

Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, who is temporarily leading Thames Valley Police, said: "I want to reassure everyone across Thames Valley that we will continue to serve, protect and respond to our communities as normal.

"Our officers, staff and volunteers remain fully committed to serving the public, tackling crime, serving victims and building trust in our communities."

Thames Valley Police said it is not in a position to make any further comment on the ongoing investigation.