Investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Chief Constable Hampshire Constabulary
Chief Constable Andy Marsh was under investigation by Essex Police following complaints about police inquiries surrounding Stanbridge Earls school, Romsey.
He was facing nine complaints, including that he failed to undertake a thorough investigation into the sexual abuse of vulnerable pupils and leaked details of a criminal investigation.
In a statement issued recently, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Simon Hayes, said that Chief Constable Steve Kavanagh, of Essex Police, the senior investigating officer on the investigation, known as Operation Oregon, found that there were no grounds to date to justify serving misconduct notices upon Chief Constable Marsh.
Mr Hayes said: “Although Essex Police have not yet concluded their investigation into Operation Oregon, I consider this matter of sufficient interest to inform the public on Chief Constable Kavanagh’s assessment to date.
“This should provide reassurance to the public that Chief Constable Andy Marsh has conducted himself appropriately and his leadership of Hampshire Constabulary is not in question.
“Through this statement, I would like to reiterate my absolute confidence in the chief constable and in Hampshire Constabulary. I will continue to keep residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight informed as this matter progresses to a conclusion.”
The probe is thought to be the first instance of a PCC ordering a probe of a UK police force’s own chief constable.