Police Chief Suspended Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
John Apter, head of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has been suspended amid serious sexual misconduct claims. Hampshire Constabulary pulled the plug on Apter after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a probe into four alleged incidents.
Serious Claims Spark Criminal Investigation
The IOPC confirmed two of the four allegations involve potential sexual touching and are currently under criminal investigation. The independent watchdog stepped in after receiving a referral from Hampshire Constabulary last Friday.
Federation Moves Quickly, Vice-Chair Takes Over
A Police Federation spokesman said Apter’s suspension followed his force’s action and that they “acted as swiftly as possible” but declined to comment further. Meanwhile, vice-chair Ché Donald will handle all federation duties “until further notice.”
Force Keeps Details Under Wraps
Hampshire Constabulary has refused to confirm Apter’s identity in connection with the ongoing investigation, only stating that an official notice of investigation was served on Monday for potential breaches of professional standards.
