The head of England’s largest non-metropolitan police force has been suspended from his role with immediate effect.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is investigating Thames Valley Police (TVP) Chief Constable Jason Hogg for serious misconduct.
It said Mr Hogg failed to adequately investigate allegations surrounding the improper retention of sensitive police information between 2016 and 2020, with concerns being investigated.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said an interim appointment would be made until the end of January.
In a statement, the IOPC’s director of operations, Steve Noonan, said the investigation related to concerns that Mr Hogg had failed to properly investigate allegations that a former senior TVP officer had made police inquiries after leaving the force. Maintained a significant amount of sensitive information.
Mr Noonan said the investigation “does not necessarily mean disciplinary action will be taken”.
“At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any officer should face disciplinary action,” he said.
He also emphasized that no criminal offenses have been identified.
Another senior TVP officer was also under investigation for possible misconduct, Mr Noonan added.
In a separate statement, Mr Barber said the IOPC’s investigation related to alleged “breach of standards of professional conduct relating to failure of duties and responsibilities, and lack of honesty and integrity”.
He added: “This announcement will come as a shock to many people in the Thames Valley, particularly our hard-working police officers and staff, but it is right that any allegations of this serious nature should be dealt with permanently. It is dealt with and thoroughly and thoroughly investigated.”
“I emphasize that the decision to suspend is an impartial process.”
“It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be viewed as such,” he said.
Mr Haug was appointed as the head of TVP. In April 2023and has been with the force since 2016.
TVP oversees 2.34 million people in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Mr Barber said current Deputy Chief Constable Ben Sings would lead the force until an interim appointment.
He added that there was no criminal investigation against the chief constable.
The IOPC said an investigation into a former senior TVP officer who allegedly withheld sensitive information had concluded with a file presented to the Crown Prosecution Service – which is now considering the case. is
The BBC has contacted TVP for comment.