News / News Wire
Gargan ‘should face written warning’
Chief Constable Nick Gargan should be given final written warnings only for his misconduct, an independent panel has said.
The recommendations have been made in a report to Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, who is due to decide on the punishment at a private meeting on August 19.
The report came as three former Avon and Somerset chief constables called for Gargan to resign in order to restore confidence in the force.
Gargan was found guilty of eight charges of misconduct, after initially facing three misconduct charges and 10 gross misconduct charges over allegations he made inappropriate advances to female staff and breached data protection rules.
He has returned to work after 14 months suspended on full pay since the allegations surfaced.
Gargan will meet Mountstevens behind closed doors in two weeks’ time, where she will chose how to act on the independent misconduct panel’s 90-page report which recommends eight final written warnings for the chief constable.
Mountstevens said: “Today I received the independent misconduct panel’s report which means I can now hold a sanction hearing with the Chief Constable.
“It has been agreed with all parties that Wednesday August 19 is the soonest most practicable date the sanction hearing can take place.
“The report is 90 pages long and I am considering the panel’s views and recommendations thoroughly ahead of the sanction hearing.”