Chief Constable's suspension lifted as probe continues

Gloucestershire Police's Chief Constable's suspension has been lifted after a "change in circumstances".

Rod Hansen was suspended by Chris Nelson, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, in October 2024 after he was issued with a gross misconduct notice by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr Nelson said he agreed to lift the suspension as Mr Hansen has now been deployed to a non-public facing role in another area.

The decision does not affect the ongoing IOPC investigation and Maggie Blyth remains as the force's interim Chief Constable.

Mr Hansen and his chief of staff Gary Thompson were both suspended while an investigation into alleged gross misconduct is undertaken.

The probe centres on the handling, by both individuals, of an allegation of computer misuse and a potential data breach by another member of staff, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Suspension is a neutral act and it does not necessarily mean there will be any disciplinary action.

Mr Nelson said he was required to review Mr Hansen's suspension every 28 days.

"I have recently completed the latest review, and have agreed that this suspension must now be lifted as the grounds for it are no longer met, following a change in circumstances," he said.

Mr Hansen's redeployment began on January 8.

The force has been asked for an update on Mr Thompson and whether he has also seen his suspension lifted and offered redeployment elsewhere, but Gloucestershire Police declined to comment.

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