POLICE and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has announced the re-instatement of Chief Constable Jason Hogg after admitting “over-reliance” on IOPC assessment.
Matthew Barber announced on Thursday, January 16, that he had taken the decision to suspend the Chief Constable following a meeting with the Independent office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
It came as a result of the investigation being conducted by the IOPC into concerns over “improper retention” of sensitive police information, which would amount to breaches of professional standards if found to be true.
There is no criminal investigation, however, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has stressed that the move to suspend Constable Hogg bore no indication of guilt, allowing the investigation to continue properly.
However Mr Barber has re-instated the Chief Constable after the move to suspend him was appealed.
Mr Barber has said that his initial decision was “over-reliant” on preliminary assessments made by the IOPC.
In a statement released today (Tuesday, January 28), The PCC said: “I can announce today that Jason Hogg is returning to his duties as Chief Constable of Thames Valley police with immediate effect.
“When presented with a set of allegations by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, I announced the Chief Constable’s suspension.
“Whilst I took this decision in what I considered to be the wider public interest of ensuring confidence in policing, this has been subject to an appeal.”
He explained: “Following these representations as part of the normal review of such decisions and having taken legal advice on the appeal, it is clear that in my original suspension decision I was over reliant on the assessment made by the IOPC.
“My intention was, and remains, to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are maintained at every level of policing and to give the public reassurance in policing.
“Whilst the IOPC will continue their investigation, I am pleased to be able to reinstate the Chief Constable to continue his work leading Thames Valley Police.”
He added: “I have always had confidence in Jason Hogg as Chief Constable and I look forward to continuing working in partnership with him on behalf of communities in Thames Valley.
“I was clear at the time that the suspension was a neutral act, and I reiterate that same point now.
“The Chief Constable, as with all of us, is innocent unless proven otherwise, and it remains for the IOPC to conclude their investigation and I once again urge them to conclude it as quickly as possible.
“I have spoken to the Policing Minister about the implications for the Police Accountability Review and how the Government should clarify the powers of PCCs when acting in the wider public interest in such cases.
Undoubtedly, the allegations and the suspension have created great uncertainty within Thames Valley Police.
“I am confident however that, building on the strong working relationship that we have developed over many years, the Chief Constable and I will continue to work closely to protect our communities across the Thames Valley by continuing to cut crime and catch more criminals.”
Chief Constable Hogg will continue in his role while the investigation is carried out.
