Thames Valley Police Welcomes New ACC O'Callaghan

There is a new assistant chief constable in Thames Valley Police. ACC Darren O'Callaghan has today (Monday) taken up post as head of crime and criminal justice.

He joined Thames Valley from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2026 and has 31 years' service.

He began his career in 1994 as a PC in Petersfield and became a detective in 1997, working across crime, intelligence and local policing, including the Force Crime Unit.

He later worked in professional standards, child protection, major crime and intelligence, and served as district commander for Fareham and Gosport.

He became director of intelligence in 2015, head of intelligence, tasking and development as a chief superintendent in 2017, and moved to the Joint Operations Unit in 2022. He also served as t/assistant chief constable responsible for the Joint Operations Unit and Contact Management.

Throughout his career he's championed looking after people - advocating family liaison officers, working in partnership to reduce harm from organised crime and supporting the workforce. He is one of the force's specialist firearms commanders.

Mr O'Callaghan said: "I am delighted to be taking up my new role leading crime and criminal justice for Thames Valley Police, and to have the opportunity to build on the great work here in the force.

"In the past few weeks, the force has been highlighted by HMICFRS as making significant improvements, but also highlights areas to work on.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of doing all I can to help Thames Valley Police become an excellent force trusted by all of our communities.

"It will be a privilege to be working with our brilliant officers and staff, building on the drive to improve our investigative capability, support victims of crime, preventing harm and ensuring we achieve the best possible outcomes for them, and protect the public across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire."

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter