head A Thames Valley police officer has been suspended with immediate effect over alleged serious misconduct.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Chief Constable Jason Hogg after concerns were raised about a failure to investigate the conduct of a colleague, the police watchdog said on Thursday.

IOPC operations director Steve Noonan said: “As part of an ongoing independent investigation, we are investigating the conduct of Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg.

“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 large amount of sensitive police information after leaving the force.

"As part of our independent investigation commencing in April 2023, the Chief Constable will be served with a notice of investigation into potential serious misconduct relating to an alleged breach of the police's standards of professional conduct in terms of honesty and integrity and duties and responsibilities. Section Two senior TVP officials are under investigation for potential misconduct.

"This does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow. Once the investigation is completed, we will decide whether to discipline any officer. No criminal offenses were identified as a result of this investigation."

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said the matters involved "alleged breaches of standards of professional conduct amounting to a failure to discharge duties and responsibilities" and a "lack of honesty and integrity".

Barber said in a statement: "I emphasize that the decision to suspend is a neutral action. It is not related to any indication of guilt and should not be viewed as such.

“This news will be shocking to many people across the Thames Valley, particularly our hard-working police and staff, but any allegations of this serious nature will be dealt with consistently and investigated appropriately and thoroughly, which is Correct.

"I urge the IOPC to conclude its investigation and provide evidence as soon as possible."

Deputy Police Chief Ben Snaggs will perform Hogg's duties until an interim police chief is named, Barber said, adding that the interim appointment will be completed by the end of January.

Hogg was appointed Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police in April 2023 and has been with the force since 2016.