20-05-2025
Gloucestershire's Chief Constable receives second gross misconduct notice
G l oucestershire Polices' already suspended Chief Constable has been removed from his role at the National Police Chiefs' Council after being served a second gross misconduct notice.
Rod Hansen was initially suspended in October over allegations of gross misconduct, but was later redeployed to the National Police Chief's Council, whilst still under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC].
But now Mr Hansen has removed from his new role after a second set of allegations.
The new allegations relate to Mr Hansen's involvement in a recruitment process, while the original allegations were around the Chief Constable's handling of an allegation of computer misuse.
In a statement, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Chris Nelson said: 'The Independent Office of Police Conduct is investigating a further set of alleged breaches of Standards of Professional Behaviour against Chief Constable Rod Hansen.
'This second matter came to light during the investigation into the first set of allegations against CC Hansen, and relate to a potential breach of Professional Standards in relation to Discreditable Conduct, Duties and Responsibilities, Honesty and Integrity, and Orders and Instructions.
'Having considered the seriousness of the allegations and the role CC Hansen is currently undertaking, I have taken the decision to suspend CC Hansen from his redeployed role with the National Police Chiefs Council pending the outcome of this investigation.
'I will emphasise that the decision to suspend has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.
'I have briefed the leadership of the Constabulary on this latest development, and they have assured me that this will not affect the delivery of operational policing in the County.
'The independent investigation must now be allowed to take its course and I will not be commenting further on matters related to that investigation.
"It is right that all allegations are dealt with consistently and investigated properly, no matter what the rank of the person under investigation, and I retain my confidence in the IOPC to do just that.
'In the meantime, I would like to assure residents that the Constabulary will be operating as normal, keeping our residents safe, and preventing and detecting crime.'
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 handling of an allegation of computer misuse and a potential data breach by another member of staff is well advanced.
'The serving of misconduct notices does not necessarily mean any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
"At the end of our investigations we will decide whether there is any case to answer for potential breaches of police professional standards. Suspension is a matter for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire.'
