A NEW Chief Constable has been appointed for Thames Valley Police after leading the force for nine years.

John Campbell, who previously served as Deputy Chief Constable since 2015, has now been promoted and is deemed to be the 'right person to lead' the police force.

Mr Campbell, said: "I feel honoured to 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.

"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."

The appointment of his role was endorsed by the independent Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, which met today to consider the commissioners proposed position.

John will be taking over from Chief Constable Francis Habgood on April 1. 

He has held operational and command roles across a number of disciplines, including criminal investigation, specialist operations and local policing.  

In 2015, Mr Campbell received the Queens Police Medal, in the birthday's honours list for services to policing. 

Anthony Stansfeld, 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."