FRANCIS Habgood said he was focused on “protecting the vulnerable members of society” in his first day as chief constable of Thames Valley Police.

The former deputy chief constable replaced Sara Thornton yesterday after she took on the new role of chairwoman of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

He said: “The key priority is keeping our communities safe and protecting the vulnerable members of society.

“But we are an emergency service and we need to provide that.

“I do not underestimate the challenges ahead but I look forward to building on our successes, particularly the high levels of public satisfaction and reductions in crime.

“I have a clear vision for the future that will ensure the residents of the Thames Valley have a police service that is innovative and fit for purpose to meet their needs.”

Father-of-two Mr Habgood, of Buckinghamshire, said: “It’s a huge privilege and honour to be able to serve the communities of Oxfordshire. It will be a challenge role but it will be an incredibly rewarding one, hopefully making a positive difference to people’s lives.

“As chief constable that role hasn’t changed since I was an officer, though I’m probably making a difference more through enabling the staff at TVP to do that.

“I am very proud of the service we provide every day.”

During the recruitment period for a new deputy chief constable, John Campbell will be acting deputy chief constable and chief superintendent Richard List will cover the role of acting assistant chief constable.

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