CHIEF constable of Gloucestershire Police Suzette Davenport has been cleared of any misconduct following an independent inquiry into a murder investigation.  

The Independent Police Complaints Commission had been looking at the investigation by Staffordshire Police into the 2002 murder of a suspected drug dealer.

Miss Davenport, who was being investigated along with 13 other serving and former police officers, said she was “pleased” matters with the IPCC had concluded.  

“I have always tried to carry out my duties diligently and professionally,” said Miss Davenport.  

“I am both pleased and relieved that the IPCC matters are concluded. I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the last three years whilst I have been here and whilst I was in Northamptonshire.

“I now look forward with the aim of continuing to do my best on behalf of Gloucestershire Police and our local communities”.

Kevin Nunes was a suspected drug dealer who was shot in an execution-style killing after straying into another gang's territory in September 2002.

Five men from the West Midlands jailed in 2008 were released after an appeal hearing in March 2012, prompting an investigation into the police handling of a key witness and how disclosure was dealt with afterwards.

Operation Kalmia was the name given to the IPCC investigation to determine whether Staffordshire Police, for whom Miss Davenport served as a senior officer, committed any wrongdoing in their handling of a key witness following Nunes’ murder.  

Gloucestershire’s police and crime commissioner Martin Surl made a recommendation to the IPCC in support of Miss Davenport more than a year ago. He said he was disappointed the process had taken so long.

“In my view the investigating officer's report did not justify a charge of gross misconduct against the chief constable,” he said.   

“The delivery of the report has been protracted, its contents confused and the evidence simply did not stack up.

“I am delighted the commission has finally agreed with me. I never had any doubts Suzette would be exonerated by the IPCC. My only surprise is that it has taken them so long to reach the same conclusion and I am disappointed at that”.

He went on to discuss issues within the Staffordshire Police force during the time of their investigation into Nunes’ murder.

“There were undoubtedly problems within the Staffordshire force at that time, performance issues which are mentioned in the IPCC report. But it also concludes that at that stage of her career Suzette could, and should, have expected to have received more support from senior colleagues.

“In fact, useful lessons have come to light through Operation Kalmia which all chief officers can learn from. But let me be clear, I spent a lot of time looking into the case before I appointed Suzette and none of what I found out then or since ever caused me to question either her ability or her integrity.

“Since her appointment as chief constable more than three years ago, Suzette has dedicated herself to the important job of protecting the county and providing a service to the people of Gloucestershire. I am delighted the shadow that has been over her for far too long has finally been removed”.