Thames Valley Police chief constable suspended after gross misconduct allegations

16 January 2025, 23:13

Chief Constable Jason Hogg
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg has been suspended. Picture: Thames Valley Police

By Flaminia Luck

The chief constable of Thames Valley Police has been suspended amid an investigation by the police watchdog into allegations of gross misconduct.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The IOPC said its investigation related to concerns between 2016 and 2020 that Chief Constable Jason Hogg and another senior officer failed to properly investigate allegations that a former senior Thames Valley Police officer retained a significant amount of sensitive police information after they left the force.

Mr Hogg was suspended with immediate effect amid the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber said.

Mr Barber added on Thursday that the matters relate to "alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour amounting to failure in duties and responsibilities" and a "lack of honesty and integrity".

No criminal offences were identified as part of the investigation into Mr Hogg, the IOPC said.

The IOPC said a separate investigation into the former Thames Valley Police senior officer's retention of sensitive information had concluded and a file of evidence had been provided to the CPS in December to consider potential criminal offences under the Data Protection Act and misconduct in public office.

IOPC director of operations Steve Noonan said: "We can confirm that we are investigating the conduct of the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, as part of an ongoing independent investigation.

"As part of our independent investigation, which started in April 2023, the Chief Constable will be served with a notice of investigation for potential gross misconduct, relating to alleged breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour regarding honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities.

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

"This does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow.

"At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.

"No criminal offences have been identified as part of this investigation."

In a statement, 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.

"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.

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

Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, who is temporarily leading the force, 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 they are not in a position to make any further comment on the investigation.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Rob and Lindsey Burrow a few weeks before he died

Rob Burrow's wife reveals heartbreaking moment she knew rugby league star 'couldn't go on' with MND struggle

Axel Rudakubana will be 'target number one' in prison

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentence won't be referred to Court of Appeal despite claims it's 'unduly lenient'

The damaged shield

'Risk of radioactive leak' after Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl, causing 'significant damage'

The fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse

Fire engulfs celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse as 100 evacuated from luxury hotel

Trump confirms he will meet Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks'

Trump to meet with Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks' - as JD Vance slams Europe in fiery speech

Both Meghan and Kate shared Valentine's pictures

Harry and Meghan share sweet Valentine's photo after William and Kate also post romantic picture

Jaden Sheriff.

Man found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend's neighbour over 'blue balls', sentenced to life imprisonment

The woman was attacked by a shark

Horror as woman loses both hands after being mauled by shark as husband desperately fights it off

United States Vice-President JD Vance, second right, meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, third left, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich

'Putin is a liar': Zelenskyy's warning to Trump as Ukraine's leader voices concern over 'risky' phone calls with Russia

Addenbrookes hospital, Cambridge

Children's surgeon suspended after nine operations fall 'below standards' in Cambridge

Lesley Joseph refuses to discuss Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis.

'I won't talk about her at the moment': Lesley Joseph refuses to discuss Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis

Ada Bikakci

Girl, 9, killed after being hit by London bus, as driver charged with driving while drunk or on drugs

Exclusive
A small group of secondary school pupils working on practical experiments in a chemistry lab.

Ministers should consider shortening school holidays and letting teachers work from home, union chief says

JD Vance

Free speech is 'in retreat' across Europe, claims JD Vance - as US brands it a 'bigger threat than Russia'

oxford street with shoppers

Two arrested in Oxford St 'celebrity romance scam' after victims coerced into sending £200k to 'well-known boyfriends'

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?