"Embarrassing" chief constable must resign say predecessors
Three former chief constables of Avon and Somerset Constabulary have called for their successor to resign.
Three former chief constables of Avon and Somerset Constabulary have called for their successor to resign.
An independent disciplinary panel found Nick Gargan guilty of eight charges of misconduct last month.
It is alleged he sent emails concerning police business and which contained personal data to individuals unconnected to the force and made inappropriate advances to junior female staff.
In a letter addressed to police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, David Shattock, Steve Pilkington and Colin Port who between them led the force for 25 years before the appointment of Mr Gargansaid it was incomprehensible that a chief constable with such a large number of substantiated misconduct findings could be respected as a leader and that confidence cannot be restored without a change of leader.
We have been confronted with their [officers, staff and members of the public] incredulity that such a person, as the current incumbent, can continue to hold his position of high office after the findings of the disciplinary panel, they said.
Eight proven counts of misconduct over a 15-month period is extremely grave for anyone. It tends to suggest a pattern of behaviour, even not knowing the circumstances.
The post of chief constable requires the holder to lead the force by example, observing and upholding the highest levels of personal and professional behaviour and integrity, thereby exemplifying the highest standards to which the force should aspire. Leaders should be inspiring not an embarrassment.
Responding to the letter Ms Mountstevens said she takes the concerns raised in the letter very seriously.
There is a process to follow. I have now received the independent misconduct panels report which means I can now hold a sanction hearing with the chief constable. It could be potentially highly prejudicial to the outcome, if I comment further before the misconduct process is finalised, she said.
The hearing between Mr Gargan and Ms Mountstevens will take place on August 19.
Last month Avon and Somerset Police Federation issued a damning open letter stating that it cannot envisage how Mr Gargan can expect the public or police officers to have confidence in his leadership.