Oxfordshire police constable retires after 35 years

Chief Constable John Campbell has said goodbye to Thames Valley Police for the last time.

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He served with Thames Valley Police for 23 years and as an officer for 35 years.

Chief Constable Campbell's last day will be on Friday after serving the Thames Valley Police since 2010.

Chief Constable John Campbell (Image: Contributed)

Chief Constable Campbell said: “It has been an immense honour to have served the public 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."

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Chief Constable Campbell said he wanted to thank officers for "their continued service and their ongoing commitment to policing."

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

Chief Constable Campbell as a cadet in the 1980s (Image: Contributed)

He quickly moved up the ranks in Birmingham and in 2001 joined the Hampshire Constabulary before later moving on to Thames Valley Police.

When working as an officer, Chief Constable Campbell held operational and command roles, including criminal investigation, specialist operations, and local policing.

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He has also worked as a hostage and crisis negotiator.

Chief Constable Campbell was made Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police in May 2015 and he was later appointed Chief Constable in April 2019.

In 2015, Chief Constable Campbell's service was recognised by the Queen as he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his significant contributions to policing.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber 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.”