A NEW deputy chief constable has started at Thames Valley Police who is ‘focused on delivering an excellent policing service for all communities across the Thames Valley’.

Following Jason Hogg’s promotion to Chief Constable, Ben Snuggs has taken over as Deputy Chief Constable.

The former Deputy Chief Constable for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary started last week, having been formally appointed in January.

READ MORE: Police target vehicles on M4 and stopped 37 drivers

“I am really thrilled to be joining Thames Valley Police as Deputy Chief Constable,” he said.

“This is a great force with a diligent and professional workforce who are committed to serving our communities and community groups across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

“I joined policing over 26 years ago and I am as focused now as I was then to make our service better by being agile and effective in all that we do.”

DCC Snuggs was previously Assistant Chief Constable for Joint Operations for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, so he is a familiar face for the force.

The new deputy is ‘determined’ to ensure communities across the Thames Valley feel ‘as safe as possible’ by preventing and thoroughly investigating crime, supporting victims and bringing more offenders to justice.

READ MORE: CCTV captures shocking moment alleged culprits 'steal' van parts

He said: “As Deputy Chief Constable, my focus is clear; supporting our new Chief Constable and his vision for Thames Valley Police, and delivering excellent performance that will make our communities proud of us through a bedrock of neighbourhood policing, quality investigations and excellent response.

“This will ensure we deliver our Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan and maintain our community’s trust and confidence which is so vital.”

As well as new chief and deputy chief constables, Thames Valley Police has made other changes to its senior management.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob France who was previously Assistant Chief Constable for Crime, Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Tasking and Development at Hampshire Constabulary, will now oversee Joint Operations.

Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray will be taking on a new Assistant Chief Constable role within Thames Valley Police looking at legitimacy and value to our communities.

READ MORE: Elderly lady who abused emergency lines to be arrested after refusal to attend court

ACC Murray’s former role will be filled by Katy Barrow-Grint who becomes Temporary Assistant Chief Constable for Crime and Criminal Justice.