A public hearing is set to commence next week in Cheltenham to address allegations of gross misconduct against Gloucestershire Constabulary Chief Constable Rod Hansen. The hearing will take place at the University of Gloucestershire’s Park Campus, chosen as a neutral venue.
Chief Constable Hansen, suspended since October 2024 by Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, faces allegations related to a data breach. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concluded nearly a year ago that Hansen should be formally charged with gross misconduct. The allegations claim that he failed to adequately respond to a report in October 2022 involving a staff member suspected of conducting an unauthorized search of police systems and accessing third-party personal data following a road traffic collision.
Furthermore, Hansen is accused of providing a false or misleading statement during the investigation into the breach. The IOPC completed its investigation on August 8, 2025, determining there is a case to answer for gross misconduct.
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The hearing is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 16, and is expected to continue on weekdays until July 24, although its duration may vary. The charges pertain to multiple alleged violations of the Police Standards of Professional Behaviour, including failure to challenge and report improper conduct, discreditable conduct, neglect of duties and responsibilities, breaches of honesty and integrity, and failure to comply with orders and instructions.
Throughout the process, Chief Constable Hansen maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing.