Ben Snuggs steps in as interim leader amid ongoing police investigation
Reading: The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into some serious concerns. They’re checking if the chief constable did enough about claims that a senior officer kept sensitive police info improperly.
Ben Snuggs, the acting chief constable, has been in the police for 26 years. He’s worked in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and before this, he was their deputy chief constable.
He even got the King’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in the recent New Year Honours. Quite an achievement!
From March 2020 to September 2021, he was the assistant chief constable in charge of operations, overseeing the Joint Operations Unit and Contact Management for both Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary.
He’s also the chair of the national Forensic Information Database Services Strategy Board, representing the National Police Chief’s Council. Plus, he’s the national lead for Hostage and Crisis Negotiation, having been a negotiator for eight years.
Mr. Snuggs is a strategic firearms commander and a counter-terrorism commander. He’s part of a national team that takes charge during critical incidents.
He’s got a solid background in digital policing and uses science and tech to enhance services. Back in 2009, he served in Afghanistan as a civilian police advisor for the European Union Police Mission.
He graduated from the FBI National Academy and holds a degree in Law and Criminology, along with a Master’s in Police Leadership and Management.
Mr. Snuggs also led the police response for Prince Philip’s funeral. After Mr. Hogg was suspended on January 16, he reassured everyone that Thames Valley Police would keep serving and protecting the community as usual.
He stated, “Our officers, staff, and volunteers remain fully committed to serving the public, tackling crime, serving victims, and building trust in our communities.”
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police mentioned they couldn’t comment further on the ongoing investigation. Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner, announced the suspension, clarifying that it’s a neutral act and doesn’t imply guilt.
