Thames Valley Police have confirmed that John Campbell will today replace Francis Habgood in the role of Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police.

Mr Campbell has previously been in the role of Deputy Chief Constable, under the stewardship of Francis Habgood, since 2015 and has over 30 years of service across three forces.

In his time in the force, the new Chief Constable has worked as an operational commander since 2010. He was responsible for the policing of Olympic Events, including the Torch Relay across the local area.

He also led the response to flooding across the Thames Valley in 2014 and leads the national policing response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and attacks.

Chief Constable John Campbell said: “Thames Valley Police is already recognised for its good work and going forward I want to deliver an excellent service and be regarded as an outstanding police force, by the communities we serve. I would like to see us continue to build on the superb work of my predecessor, Francis Habgood, who I wish a very happy retirement.

“Key areas to focus on are working hard to stop crime happening in the first place and preventing harm, particularly against the most vulnerable in our communities. Then if people do call us at their time of greatest need, making sure we have really good call handling and where necessary get help to them swiftly and where crimes have occurred bring more offenders to justice.”

“I will continue to keep the needs of the communities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire at the forefront of any decisions I make. When things are at their worst for people, I want us to be at our very best.”

Upon his retirement, Francis Habgood released a statement. He said: “When I became Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police I said that I was both proud and privileged to lead the force. Four years later, as I leave policing, I remain both proud and privileged.

“The really important thing about being Chief Constable is always remembering who we are here to serve – the public – so any decision we make must have the interests of our communities at the absolute forefront.”

“We should also remember the people who work and volunteer for policing. As Chief Constable it has been my role to make sure I lead them but also to make decisions to enable them to deliver the best possible service.”

Francis Habgood joined the Thames Valley Police in 2004, after rising through the ranks at West Yorkshire Police. He originally joined West Yorkshire Police in 1987 and eventually became Divisional Commander for the North West Area of Leeds.

Having joined Thames Valley Police in 2004 as Assistant Chief Constable in 2004, he became the Deputy Chief Constable in 2008 before being promoted to Chief Constable in 2015.