Rod Hansen, the former chief constable of Gloucestershire Police, whose contract ended last week, has been recognised for his “exemplary” 38-year career in policing.
Mr Hansen’s departure from the role at the end of July followed the decision by Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson not to renew his contract. He had been suspended on full pay since October 2024 and faces a pending hearing concerning allegations of gross misconduct.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) determined in August 2023 that Mr Hansen should be subject to a gross misconduct hearing over claims that he failed to adequately respond to a report of a data breach. Specifically, it is alleged that in October 2022 Mr Hansen did not properly act on information about a staff member suspected of conducting an unauthorised search of police systems and accessing third-party personal data following a road traffic collision.
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Additionally, Mr Hansen is accused of providing a false or misleading statement during the investigation into the data breach.
The misconduct hearing commenced last month but was postponed for legal reasons and will not resume until at least December.
Martin Surl, former Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner who appointed Mr Hansen as chief constable in 2017, expressed surprise at the announcement of Mr Hansen’s departure, describing the internal communication as “cold and brief,” issued shortly after Mr Hansen was due to defend himself against the allegations.
“I am sure many officers and staff in the constabulary were shocked to hear the news delivered in such a manner,” Mr Surl commented.
Mr Surl criticised the length of the suspension, stating that a suspension exceeding two years to investigate a non-criminal matter is “absurd,” irrespective of the hearing’s outcome. He also paid tribute to Mr Hansen’s leadership and dedication throughout his police career.
“Having joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as deputy chief constable in 2013 and serving as chief constable since 2017, Mr Hansen has shown outstanding leadership and commitment. In my experience, shared by many colleagues and members of the public, he has been an exceptional chief constable,” he said.
Mr Surl added that Mr Hansen is “deeply saddened that he will not now have the opportunity to clear his name while remaining in post.”
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire commented on the matter, explaining that reporting restrictions are currently in place by order of the hearing panel chair from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. As such, the police and crime commissioner is unable to comment further.
“Furthermore, some points raised by Mr Surl appear to be conjecture and opinion,” the spokesperson added.
Mr Hansen continues to deny the allegations made against him as the gross misconduct proceedings remain ongoing.