Chief Rod Hansen’s £150k+ salary is funded by the constabulary despite his work at a national police body amid budget cuts.
The Conservative suspended Hansen on October 7 after a misconduct notice was issued by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Gary Thompson, his chief of staff, was also suspended as part of the investigation into alleged gross misconduct. The probe concerns computer misuse and a data breach, but suspension does not mean disciplinary action will occur.
In January, Nelson lifted Hansen’s suspension after reviewing the case. Hansen now works for the NPCC, and the suspension grounds changed. However, this change did not affect the IOPC investigation.
Three MPs wrote to Nelson seeking details on the suspension being lifted. Their request comes as the constabulary faces a £12.3m budget shortfall by next year, potentially leading to police staff job cuts.
Nelson stated that the suspension was lifted due to a “change” and that the NPCC gave Hansen a redeployment role. According to Cameron Thomas MP, Nelson contacted the NPCC in October about Hansen’s situation.
Thomas discovered that Gloucestershire pays Hansen’s salary, which amounts to £158,757 per government figures from April 2024.
Roz Savage MP and Max Wilkinson MP joined Thomas in seeking clarity on this issue, arguing it is in the public interest. They expressed concerns about fairness for all officers and fear it may undermine public trust.
They question why taxpayers are paying Hansen’s salary while he works elsewhere, especially given the constabulary’s current large budget shortfall.
Thomas wants answers about Hansen’s situation, citing the financial shortfall and leadership concerns. He said there is too much uncertainty at the top.
Nelson stated his decisions followed regulations and that they asked the NPCC to cover Hansen’s salary. He added that the NPCC ultimately rejected this request.
Nelson described the situation as “unprecedented.” He said the redeployment allowed him to lift the suspension then because he had no other choice, so he agreed.
Nelson noted that officers get full pay when suspended. He also mentioned that his office contacted Cameron Thomas’ office thrice, inviting the MPs to a briefing, but there has been no response yet.
Nelson avoids public debates due to the ongoing investigation, calling it a complex matter. He maintains his door is open for a meeting to discuss the issues.
Nelson is concerned about who pays Hansen’s salary now and questions that public servants may lose their positions. This concern arises from the fact that the constabulary faces a huge financial deficit.
According to the NPCC, Hansen is helping with police reform, and this arrangement was agreed upon between the NPCC and Nelson.