Gloucestershire policeman suspended (From Gazette Series)

Gloucestershire policeman suspended

A 47-YEAR-OLD Gloucestershire police sergeant who has been working on the July 7 London bombings inquiry has been suspended for alleged misconduct.

Gloucestershire police confirmed today that the officer had been suspended on December 9. The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate his alleged behaviour.

A force insider said it was alleged that the officer had made "inappropriate comments and remarks" while seconded to work on the London investigation.

Complaints commissioner Rebecca Marsh said: "I have decided to hold an independent investigation into these allegations that have been referred to us by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

"Ensuring public trust is vital and our investigation will help ensure that the integrity of the force is upheld and that the public can continue to have confidence in their police service."

"I will ensure that the investigation is thorough and timely."

The IPCC is the body with overall responsibility for the police complaints system in England and Wales. It has the task of increasing public confidence in the system and aims to make complaints investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 68 independent and 253 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police.