Chief of police reinstated

THE chief constable of Thames Valley Police has been reinstated 12 days after he was suspended.

Jason Hogg, who has served in the role since 2023, was suspended while an independent police complaints investigation was carried out by the police watchdog into allegations of gross misconduct.

Following an appeal, Mr Hogg is now back in post.

Matthew Barber, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner said that he made the suspension in the wider public interest to ensure confidence in the force.

However, having taken legal advice and although the investigation continues, Chief Constable Hogg has a right to remain in post, with no decisions made until the investigation has been completed and scrutinised.

In a statement, Mr Barber said: “When presented with a set of allegations by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), I announced his suspension. While 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.

“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.”

Mr Barber said he still had “confidence” in Chief Constable Hogg and that his decision to suspend him was a “neutral act”.

He added: “ 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.”