Resignation decision 'a huge disappointment'

It is a "huge disappointment" that Avon and Somerset Police chief constable Nick Gargan has been asked to resign after being found guilty of misconduct, the Chief Police Officers Staff Association has said.

A spokesman for CPOSA said Mr Gargan was "deeply sorry" and that his first priority on returning to the force would be to rebuild confidence in the force and in him as leader.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Gargan, the spokesman said: "After five months of investigation and a 15 month process, the panel made findings of "flawed judgement" and "ill-advised" behaviour

"Chief Constable Gargan is deeply sorry for these and is committed to learning from them.

“We note and respect the views of certain groups of current and retired staff. We share their regret that the good name of the constabulary has been tarnished.

"But the overwhelming majority of the rumours surrounding the chief constable have turned out not to be true; indeed none of the initial allegations that prompted his suspension led to a misconduct finding, let alone a finding of gross misconduct or criminal behaviour. He welcomes publication of the panel's report."