The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police has been suspended over claims he failed to investigate a senior colleague.
Jason Hogg is accused of failing to properly investigate allegations that a former senior officer kept hold of sensitive information when they retired.
Mr Hogg was suspended with immediate effect amid an investigation by the police watchdog.
No criminal offences were identified as part of the investigation into Mr Hogg, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
The watchdog said a separate investigation into the officer relating to retention of sensitive information had concluded. It added that a file of evidence was given to the CPS in December to consider potential criminal offences under the Data Protection Act and misconduct in public office.
Steve Noonan, the IOPC’s director of operations, 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.”
Mr Noonan added that a second senior Thames Valley officer was also under investigation for potential misconduct.
‘We will continue to serve as normal’
Mr Hogg was first appointed as the Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police in April 2023 and has been with the policing authority since 2016.
In a statement, Matthew Barber, the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, 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.”
Ben Snuggs, Dept Chief Constable will fulfil Mr Hogg’s duties until a temporary chief constable is appointed, PA news agency reported.
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 they are not in a position to make any further comment on the investigation.