Gloucestershire Chief Constable Rod Hansen Cleared of Recruitment Misconduct Allegations

Gloucestershire Chief Constable Rod Hansen has been cleared of misconduct related to allegations about his involvement in the recruitment of a police staff member. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that he has no case to answer regarding these specific claims. Furthermore, the investigation found no concerns about unsatisfactory performance or the need for reflective practice review during this process.

Hansen, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, was first suspended in October 2024 by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Chris Nelson following allegations tied to a 2022 data breach. This suspension was challenged due to the PCC’s failure to properly consider redeployment options as required by police regulations. Consequently, the suspension was lifted in November 2024, and Hansen began working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on the Joint Police Reform programme starting January 2025.

However, in May 2025, a second suspension occurred after renewed allegations regarding Hansen’s recruitment involvement. The recent IOPC investigation into these claims has now concluded, finding insufficient evidence to pursue any misconduct or gross misconduct charges.

Hansen’s legal representatives are now requesting that the PCC lift his suspension based on these findings. A spokesperson for the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association expressed relief, emphasizing Hansen’s consistent denials and the comprehensive nature of the investigation.

The IOPC spokesperson reiterated that although Hansen has no case to answer for the recruitment allegations, a separate investigation concerning his handling of the 2022 data breach remains ongoing. In October 2025, the IOPC determined there is a gross misconduct case concerning this issue which will proceed to a hearing, with dates yet to be scheduled.

Comments from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire are awaited.