Thames Valley Police Chief Constable reinstated after suspension

The recently suspended Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police has been reinstated – a U-turn of a decision made by the Police and Crime Commissioner 12 days ago.

On January 16, PCC Matthew Barber announced that Ch Con Jason Hogg was suspended with immediate effect, in the wake of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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.

Such allegations would, if proven, amount to gross misconduct by Ch Con Hogg, said the IOPC.

But an appeal was launched against the PCC decision to suspend him, and today (January 28), Mr Barber announced that Ch Con Hogg is returning to his duties with immediate effect.

Mr Barber said the U-turn is because he was ‘over-reliant on the assessment made by the IOPC.’

“I took this decision in what I considered to be the wider public interest of ensuring confidence in policing,” said Mr Barber.

But, after a ‘normal review’ of such decisions and ‘having taken legal advice’ on the appeal, Mr Barber reversed his position.

 “It is clear that in my original suspension decision, I was over-reliant on the assessment made by the IOPC,” he said.

“My intention was, and remains, to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are maintained at every level of policing and to give the public reassurance in policing.”

As such, while the IOPC continue their investigation, Ch Con Hogg will be returning to his post leading TVP.

“I have always had confidence in Jason Hogg as Chief Constable,” said Mr Barber.

“I was clear at the time that the suspension was a neutral act, and I reiterate that same point now.

“The Chief Constable, as with all of us, is innocent unless proven otherwise, and it remains for the IOPC to conclude their investigation.

“I once again urge them to conclude it as quickly as possible.”

Mr Barber added that he has spoken to the Policing Minister about how the Government should clarify the powers of PCCs when acting in the wider public interest in such cases.

“Undoubtedly, the allegations and the suspension have created great uncertainty within Thames Valley Police,” said Mr Barber.

“I am confident however that, building on the strong working relationship that we have developed over many years, the Chief Constable and I will continue to work closely to protect our communities across the Thames Valley.”