A misconduct hearing for Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Rod Hansen is scheduled for July, raising concerns about prolonged delays and financial burdens on taxpayers who have effectively been funding two chief constables for nearly 18 months.
Chief Constable Hansen, who denies all allegations, was first suspended by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Chris Nelson in October 2024 amid claims related to a 2022 data breach. The allegations assert that Hansen failed to properly address information received in October 2022 concerning a staff member suspected of unauthorized access to police systems and third-party personal data during a road traffic collision investigation.
Earlier this month, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed Hansen had no case to answer in a separate investigation. Following a challenge to his initial suspension, PCC Nelson lifted the suspension and arranged for Hansen’s redeployment to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, where he joined the Joint Police Reform programme in January 2025.
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However, a second misconduct investigation emerged regarding alleged inappropriate involvement by Hansen in the recruitment of police staff. This led to Hansen’s suspension again in May 2025. The IOPC has since cleared him of any wrongdoing in this second case, prompting his legal team to request that PCC Nelson lift the suspension once more.
Martin Surl, former Gloucestershire PCC, criticized the protracted process: “The delays are costly and damaging to all and why he remains suspended is increasingly difficult to understand. There’s nothing complex about this investigation, and it should have been resolved months ago. Meanwhile, we pay for two chief constables while the PCC claims financial constraints. Something isn’t right.”
At a recent police and crime panel meeting at Shire Hall, Councillor Gareth Kitchen highlighted the public’s concerns, prompting questions about transparency and accountability. PCC Nelson emphasized that the matter remains under legal proceedings and declined to provide further comment beyond acknowledging the IOPC’s findings. He expressed a desire to discuss the case more openly once the process concludes.
Panel chairman Ray Brassington noted the unusual possibility that if Chief Constable Hansen is cleared, Gloucestershire might end up with two chief constables simultaneously. Ruth Greenwood, chief executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, urged caution about speculating on future scenarios.
The public hearing is set to begin on July 16 and continue the following week at an as-yet-undisclosed neutral venue in Cheltenham. The ongoing situation continues to draw scrutiny over its impact on police leadership and public finances.