Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Nick Gargan has been suspended following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission announced this afternoon that it had launched an independent investigation into Mr Gargan following a referral from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Sue Mountstevens.
Mr Gargan, 47, only joined Avon and Somerset Constabulary as chief constable in March 2013.
In a statement Ms Mountstevens said: "Following a number of serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers and staff by the Chief Constable Nick Gargan, I have decided to refer the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who will now conduct an independent investigation.
"Due to the public interest in the case and to protect the integrity of the investigation I have decided to suspend the chief constable while the independent investigation is carried out.
"Deputy Chief Constable John Long will act up temporarily as chief constable and all officers and staff have been informed of this decision.
"I would like to assure the communities of Avon and Somerset that the Constabulary remains a high performing force. Both police officers and staff are committed to ensuring the area remains a safe place to live, work and visit."
Mr Gargan became a police officer in 1988 and during his career has served as a detective as well as chief constable and chief executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the 2012 New Year's Honours list.
He is also a Leicester City season ticket-holder.
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