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Chief Constable Nick Gargan suspended over allegations Avon and Somerset Police chief Nick Gargan suspended over claims
(about 1 hour later)
A police chief has been suspended following "serious allegations" of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers. A police chief has been suspended following "serious allegations" of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers and staff.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said a number of allegations had been made against Chief Constable Nick Gargan. Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said several allegations had been made against Chief Constable Nick Gargan.
An Independent Complaints Commission probe has been launched and Mr Gargan will remain suspended throughout. He denied the allegations and "was devastated" when they were reported to him, according to Ms Mountstevens.
He has been chief since March 2013, and a serving police officer since 1988. He has been chief since March 2013 and a serving police officer since 1988.
The complaints commission confirmed it would be investigating "a number of serious allegations that relate to inappropriate conduct towards female members of staff at the force". The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it would be investigating "a number of serious allegations that relate to inappropriate conduct towards female members of staff at the force".
Mr Gargan's deputy, John Long, will serve as chief constable on a temporary basis and all officers and staff had been informed of the decision, Ms Mountstevens said. 'Looked for alternatives'
"I would like to assure the communities of Avon and Somerset that the constabulary remains a high performing force," she added. Ms Mountstevens said whistleblowers had spoken with her last week and she had referred the matter to the IPCC on Friday. The watchdog is set to carry out an investigation.
"Both police officers and staff are committed to ensuring the area remains a safe place to live, work and visit." Deputy chief John Long will serve as chief constable on a temporary basis and the force's officers and staff have been informed of the decision.
Mr Gargan was the chief executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency before being appointed chief constable by Ms Mountstevens. "I looked long and hard for other alternatives but the IPCC advised me suspension was in the best interests of the chief and the organisation," said Ms Mountstevens.
"I think it is important the chief constable is treated no better or worse than any other police officer who is under investigation."
Mr Gargan was the chief executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency before being appointed chief constable.
His selection came two months after Ms Mountstevens was elected as the force's first PCC.His selection came two months after Ms Mountstevens was elected as the force's first PCC.
The day after Ms Mountstevens was sworn in, former chief constable Colin Port announced he was stepping down after refusing to re-apply for his own job.The day after Ms Mountstevens was sworn in, former chief constable Colin Port announced he was stepping down after refusing to re-apply for his own job.
He later mounted a legal challenge against the decision to open up his job for interview but his bid to halt the selection process was refused by a High Court judge.He later mounted a legal challenge against the decision to open up his job for interview but his bid to halt the selection process was refused by a High Court judge.