A FORMER hostage negotiator has been formally named as Thames Valley’s new top cop.
John Campbell replaces Francis Habgood as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.
Mr Campbell, who has been Deputy Chief Constable for the past four years, takes up the role in April.
As Chief Officer in Thames Valley he was responsible for the policing of the Olympic events, including the South East regional phase of the Torch Relay. He also led the multi-agency response to the Flooding in Oxfordshire and Berkshire in 2014 and commanded numerous firearms and public order events.
Mr Campbell leads nationally for the Police in respect of how they respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear incidents and attacks.
“I feel honoured to be have been appointed Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. The force is made up of some amazing men and women and
I look forward to leading those who work tirelessly every day, with great courage, to police the area,” said Mr. Campbell who received the Queens Police Medal, in the 2015 birthday’s honours list for services to policing.
“Having been a Chief Officer with the force for some nine years, I believe I have a strong understanding of the communities of the Thames Valley and the type of police force needed to best protect them from harm.
“I will build on the excellent work already implemented by the outgoing Chief, Francis Habgood, and will do all that I can to deliver the quality of policing that the public quite rightly expect and deserve.”
Anthony Stansfeld, the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel supported my choice of John Campbell to be the next Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.
“He has done an excellent job as Deputy Chief Constable and I believe is the right person to lead Thames Valley Police through what is a turbulent period for policing.
“I look forward to working closely with him as Chief Constable in the delivery of my strategic priorities and ensuring an efficient and effective police force for the communities of the Thames Valley.”
