Chief constable of Thames Valley Police suspended amid IOPC investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating concerns that he failed to adequately investigate allegations relating to the improper retention of sensitive information by a former officer.

Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber took the decision to suspend Mr Hogg “with immediate effect” on Thursday afternoon (January16).

“This follows a meeting earlier today with the IOPC in which they informed me that as part of an ongoing investigation that they are conducting they have assessed that allegations against the chief constable would, if proven, amount to gross misconduct,” he 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.”

Mr Barber added: “The IOPC investigation involves concerns that the chief constable failed to adequately investigate allegations relating to the improper retention of sensitive police information. 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. There is no criminal investigation into the chief constable.”

He said he intendeds to appoint a temporary chief constable by the end of this month. Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will lead the force until an appointment is made, said Mr Barber.

He added: “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.

““It is for the IOPC to lead on any communication about the investigation itself, but 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.”

Mr Snuggs 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 was “not in a position to make any further comment on the ongoing investigation”.

IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said: “We are investigating the conduct of the chief constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, as part of an ongoing independent investigation.

“The investigation relates to concerns that, between 2016 and 2020, he and another senior Thames Valley Police 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.

“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 Thames Valley Police 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.

“A separate investigation into the former senior Thames Valley Police officer’s retention of sensitive information has concluded and a file of evidence was recently 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 our direction and control.”