Thames Valley Police have confirmed the force has reinstated their Chief Constable despite an ongoing investigation.

Chief Constable Jason Hogg was previously suspended by the force’s Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber on January 16th after the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) declared they were investigating his conduct.

But PCC Barber announced yesterday (28/01) that he would be reversing his previous decision to suspend Hogg and that he would return to his duties.

Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will revert to his substantive role as Deputy Chief Constable.

In a statement, Barber said that he has decided upon taking legal advice to reverse his decision to suspend Hogg.

Barber said, “I can announce today that Jason Hogg is returning to his duties as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police with immediate effect. Twelve days ago (16/01), when presented with a set of allegations by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), I announced the Chief Constable’s suspension. Whilst I took this decision in what I considered to be the wider public interest of ensuring confidence in policing, this has been subject to an appeal.

“Following these representations as part of the normal review of such decisions and having taken legal advice on the appeal, it is clear that in my original suspension decision I was over reliant on the assessment made by the IOPC. My intention was, and remains, to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are maintained at every level of policing and to give the public reassurance in policing. 

“Whilst the IOPC will continue their investigation, I am pleased to be able to reinstate the Chief Constable to continue his work leading Thames Valley Police. I have always had confidence in Jason Hogg as Chief Constable and I look forward to continuing working in partnership with him on behalf of communities in Thames Valley. 

“I was clear at the time that the suspension was a neutral act, and I reiterate that same point now. The Chief Constable, as with all of us, is innocent unless proven otherwise, and it remains for the IOPC to conclude their investigation and I once again urge them to conclude it as quickly as possible.  

“I have spoken to the Policing Minister about the implications for the Police Accountability Review and how the Government should clarify the powers of PCCs when acting in the wider public interest in such cases. 

“Undoubtedly, the allegations and the suspension have created great uncertainty within Thames Valley Police. I am confident however that, building on the strong working relationship that we have developed over many years, the Chief Constable and I will continue to work closely to protect our communities across the Thames Valley by continuing to cut crime and catch more criminals.”

In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, Chief Constable Hogg said he was pleased to return to his role.

Hogg said, “I am pleased to return to my role, and my focus remains firmly on leading our force and protecting our communities by fighting crime and supporting victims.

“I am deeply grateful for the ongoing professionalism and dedication shown by our officers, staff and volunteers who as ever remain absolutely committed to serving the public and delivering policing across the Thames Valley.”

The IOPC have not commented publicly on either the continuing investigation into Hogg’s conduct or the decision taken by PCC Barber to reinstate him.