Police force covering Milton Keynes suspends Chief Constable amid investigation

The Chief Constable of the police force that covers Milton Keynes has been suspended with immediate effect while they are subject to an independent misconduct investigation.

Thames Valley Police, who cover Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, confirmed Chief Constable Jason Hogg was suspended by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber earlier today (16/1) after an investigation was opened by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC said in a statement that the investigation related to concerns of an alleged failure by Thames Valley Police staff including Hogg to adequately investigate allegations relating to the improper retention of sensitive police information.

IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said, “We are investigating the conduct of the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police (TVP), Jason Hogg, as part of an ongoing independent investigation. The investigation relates to concerns that, between 2016 and 2020, he and another senior TVP officer failed to properly investigate allegations that a former senior TVP officer retained a significant amount of sensitive police information after they left the force.

“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. A second senior TVP officer is under investigation for potential misconduct.

“This does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings. No criminal offences have been identified as part of this investigation.”

PCC Barber said in his own statement, “This afternoon (Thursday 16 January), I have taken the decision to suspend Jason Hogg from his role as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police with immediate effect. This follows a meeting earlier today with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in which they informed me that as part of an ongoing investigation that they are conducting they have assessed that allegations against the Chief Constable would, if proven, amount to gross misconduct. 

“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.

“The IOPC investigation involves concerns that the Chief Constable failed to adequately investigate allegations relating to the improper retention of sensitive police information. The matters relate to alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour amounting to failure in duties & responsibilities and a lack of honesty & integrity. There is no criminal investigation into the Chief Constable.

“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.”

PCC Barber confirmed Ben Snuggs has been appointed as an Acting Chief Constable pending the results of the investigation.

The Acting Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Ben 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 have said they are not in a position to make any further comment on the ongoing investigation.