One of Hampshire Constabulary's longest-serving police officers has retired - months after accusations of sexual misconduct were made, prompting an investigation.

John Apter was chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) - which represents 120,000 rank-and-file officers - when allegations surfaced in December.

Announcing his retirement on social media Mr Apter said: "Retiring from the police after 30+ years was an emotional time for me. It's been more than just a job and I’ve loved being part of the policing family."

Mr Apter said he was on holiday in Iceland on the day he officially left the force.

Isle of Wight County Press: Mr Apter is a former chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Federation.Mr Apter is a former chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Federation. (Image: Supplied)

He added: "Those few short days away gave me time to reflect, to try and make sense of things and to focus on my future. Now and again we need to do things for ourselves, it’s not selfish, it’s maintenance."

What allegations were made?

An investigation is underway into four alleged breaches of professional standards in 2021, one of which is said to have occurred at an awards ceremony.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has described its investigation as "ongoing".

Speaking to the Isle of Wight County Press in December, a spokesperson for the Police Federation of England and Wales said: "We have been informed that the National Chair of the Police Federation has been suspended from duty by Hampshire Police whilst an investigation is undertaken.

"As a result, he is also currently suspended from his current PFEW role. PFEW has acted as swiftly as possible in conjunction with the force. We are unable to comment on this matter until the investigation has concluded."

Mr Apter's official Police Federation Twitter account was also deactivated.

He had previously announced he would not be standing for re-election as chairman of the PFEW, when the ballot took place in February this year.

In October 2021, John Apter said: "I love what the federation and our reps do and I couldn’t be more proud of the small part I have played.

"A lot has happened since I became national chair, both professionally and personally; it’s been relentless. In all that time, all I have ever done is my best, and I hope that in some small way I have helped make a positive difference."

After joining Hampshire Constabulary, Jon Apter worked in a variety of uniformed roles before becoming chairman of the Hampshire and Isle and Wight Police Federation.

After eight years in the job, he was elected chairman of the national organisation in August 2018.