Farewell to Chief Constable John Campbell QPM

This week Chief Constable John Campbell is retiring after 35 years as a police officer.

On Friday (31/3) the Chief Constable will serve his last day after four years as Chief, having served the Thames Valley since 2010.

Chief Constable at a Commendation Ceremony to recognise officers, staff, and volunteers who made a difference to the Thames Valley.

Chief Constable Campbell started his career in 1988, when he joined West Midlands Police, working his first beat on the busy streets of inner city Birmingham, was after spending time as a police cadet.

Chief Constable as a cadet in the 1980s

During his time in Birmingham, he moved up the ranks, and in 2001 joined Hampshire Constabulary before later moving to Thames Valley Police.

As an officer, Chief Constable Campbell has held operational and command roles, including criminal investigation, specialist operations, and local policing. He also worked as a hostage and crisis negotiator.

After becoming Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police in May 2015, he was  appointed Chief Constable in April 2019.

Chief Constable engaging with a member of the public

Chief Constable Campbell was recognised by the Queen who awarded him the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in 2015 for his significant contributions to policing.  

Chief Constable Campbell said: “It is has been an immense honour to have served the public of the Thames Valley since 2010, and to have led the Force for the past four years.  

“Throughout my career I have seen policing change significantly with complexity and volume of crime, new technology that has transformed policing, and ever changing demand on the police as a service.

“The one thing that has remained throughout is the officers, staff and volunteers, who work so hard and on a daily basis put their lives on the line to serve and protect the public.

“I would like to publicly thank them for their continued service and their ongoing commitment to policing.”

Chief Constable talking with an officer at Reading festival

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Constable. He said: “On a personal level it has been a privilege to work with John over recent years, but more widely the Thames Valley has been fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant as Chief Constable.

“Within the force he is universally well regarded, mixing great care for each and every officer, staff member and volunteer, with a determination to succeed.

“To the public and partners John Campbell has been unstinting in his support to deliver excellent policing, often in very difficult circumstances, to every community across Thames Valley.”

On the microphone at the TVP Open Day. 

ENDS