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

The law means that the IPCC can hold a police misconduct meeting in public when there are exceptional circumstances and if it is in the public interest to do so.

But a consultation process needs to take place first.

The IPCC said that they have taken into account Mr Gargan's seniority and the gravity of the allegations in considering whether to make the hearing public.

They will now be consulting with any witnesses who may be required to give evidence, Sue Mountstevens the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Gargan and anyone else the IPCC decides is an interested person.

The consultation will run until Wednesday December 10.

Mr Gargan, who denies any wrongdoing, has been suspended on full pay since being sent home on May 13 by Ms Mountstevens after the complaints came to light.