An Avon and Somerset police chief’s gross misconduct hearing over claims he made “inappropriate advances” to female colleagues and leaking internal emails could be held in public, a policing watchdog has said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has started a consultation to determine whether all or part of the hearing for Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Nick Gargan, should be open.

Mr Gargan, who was suspended from his role in May, was found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct by police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, although an initial investigation by the IPCC determined he should not face criminal charges.

The law allows for the IPCC to direct that a police misconduct hearing is held, wholly or partly, in public when there are exceptional circumstances and it would be in the public interest to do so, the watchdog said.

An Avon and Somerset police chief’s gross misconduct hearing over claims he made “inappropriate advances” to female colleagues and leaking internal emails could be held in public, a policing watchdog has said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has started a consultation to determine whether all or part of the hearing for Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Nick Gargan, should be open.

Mr Gargan, who was suspended from his role in May, was found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct by police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, although an initial investigation by the IPCC determined he should not face criminal charges.

The law allows for the IPCC to direct that a police misconduct hearing is held, wholly or partly, in public when there are exceptional circumstances and it would be in the public interest to do so, the watchdog said.

Announcing the consultation, which will run until December 10, the IPCC said: “In making this decision the IPCC has taken into account Mr Gargan’s seniority and the gravity of the allegations.”

The IPCC has to consult with witnesses who may be required to give evidence, the PCC and other interested persons, as well as Mr Gargan.

The police watchdog originally investigated allegations that Mr Gargan ”abused his senior position by making inappropriate advances to junior female colleagues”.

As part of the investigation Mr Gargan was interviewed regarding allegations of gross misconduct and under criminal caution for alleged breaches of the Data Protection Act.

Ms Mountstevens was handed the IPCC report on October 13 and had 15 days to decide whether Mr Gargan had a case to answer for gross misconduct or misconduct. She made her decision on October 31.

Read the full story at http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Avon-Somerset-police-chief-Nick-Gargan-8217-s/story-24836845-detail/story.html