The suspended chief constable of Gloucestershire Police, Rod Hansen, ON FULL PAY, has been dismissed from his position at the National Police Chiefs’ Council following the issuance of a second gross misconduct notice.
Rod Hansen was first suspended in October due to allegations of gross misconduct but was subsequently reassigned to the National Police Chiefs’ Council while under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson has dismissed him from the new position following a second series of claims.
Mr. Nelson stated that, after evaluating the gravity of the charges, he decided to suspend Mr. Rod Hansen awaiting the investigation’s conclusion.
The recent charges pertain to Mr. Rod Hansen’s participation in a recruitment process, whereas the initial claims concerned the chief constable’s management of a computer misuse allegation.
Mr. Nelson stated that the second possible violation of professional conduct standards emerged during the inquiry into the initial claims.
“I will emphasise that the decision to suspend has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such,” he added.
In a statement the IOPC said: “We can confirm we have served a second gross misconduct notice on chief constable Rod Hansen over further conduct allegations.
“The new allegations relate to the extent of the chief constable’s involvement in a recruitment process for a member of Gloucestershire Constabulary staff, his account of any involvement, and whether his actions complied with force policies and procedures.
“Our original investigation into the chief constable’s, Rod Hansen, handling of an allegation of computer misuse and a potential data breach by another member of staff is well advanced.”
Mr Nelson said he had briefed the leadership of the force on the latest development, and they have assured him that this will not affect the delivery of operational policing in the county.
The force will be operating as normal, under the temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth.
“The independent investigation must now be allowed to take its course and I will not be commenting further on matters related to that investigation,” Mr Nelson said.
The IOPC added that the serving of misconduct notices does not necessarily mean any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.