Gloucestershire chief constable suspended pending outcome of misconduct investigation
The chief constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary has been suspended following an alleged breach of standards of professional behaviour.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has informed Rod Hansen that it has launched an investigation into the misconduct allegations.
In a statement, Gloucestershire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) Chris Nelson said: “I have decided to suspend Mr Hansen from his role with Gloucestershire Constabulary pending the outcome of this investigation. I will 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.
“I have spoken to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, after taking this decision. The Executive Board will provide continuity for the organisation.
My team and I are now working with other colleagues in policing to nationally identify a temporary chief constable who can lead Gloucestershire Constabulary during this period
“I know that this will come as a shock to many in the county, especially to our hard working officers and staff, and to our partner organisations, but it is right that any allegations are dealt with consistently and investigated properly, thoroughly and swiftly. I have every confidence that the IOPC will do exactly that.
“It will be up to the IOPC to lead on any communication about the investigation that it considers necessary.
“In the meantime, I would like to assure residents and criminals alike that the constabulary will be operating as normal, keeping our residents safe, and preventing and detecting crime.”
Gloucestershire Police Federation said it was aware that the PCC has taken the decision to suspend Chief Constable Rod Hansen from duty, in response to a misconduct investigation being led by the IOPC.
It said: “We will not be making any comment on the ongoing investigation into Mr Hansen apart from that all officers are entitled to a presumption of innocence until or unless a misconduct investigation finds otherwise.
“As a Federation we will be working with our other chief officers to ensure that our members receive the continuity of leadership that they, and our communities, require.”
Mr Hansen joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as deputy chief constable in May 2013 and in May 2017 took over as chief constable.
He currently serves as the national lead for aviation, overseeing helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and the police use of drones.