A NEW commander and deputy commander of Thames Valley Police have been appointed in Oxford.

Superintendant Joe Kidman has taken on the new role as commander. He started in post on Saturday, October 1.

Chief Inspector Marc Tarbit becomes his deputy.

Supt Kidman takes over from Christian Bunt, who has moved to take up a new role in headquarters. Former deputy John Turner has left on promotion to another force. 

Supt Kidman joined Thames Valley Police in 1994 after coming to the area as a student at Oxford University.

He started as a patrol officer in Reading before returning to Oxford, where he served as the community beat Sergeant for Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Littlemore, as well as a patrol and custody Sergeant.

After promotion to Detective Chief Inspector he became Senior Investigating Officer for Major Crime, based in Oxfordshire. He led murder investigations as well as the Operation Bullfinch investigation into child sexual exploitation in Oxford. On promotion to Detective Superintendent, he led the Force’s Protecting Vulnerable People department.   

Speaking about his new appointment Supt Kidman said: “I am very excited and extremely honoured to serve our city as the local Police Commander for Oxford. This is the city where I have studied, worked and lived for many years. Having seen different aspects of our city, I know that part of its beauty and strength lies in that tapestry.

“I am grateful to my predecessor and will be building on his work to protect the vulnerable and keeping people safe.

"I am very much committed to policing as a public service, working with our partners and community so that our whole city and everyone who lives, works, studies and visits here can thrive.”

Ch InspTarbit joined Thames Valley Police in 1998. He has served in uniform and detective roles in Oxford as well as strategic posts in headquarters.

He was promoted to Det Chief Inspector in 2013 and worked within intelligence, including acting as the Detective Superintendent in charge of the intelligence department.

He was appointed the Deputy Commander for Oxford in August this year.

He said said: “Oxford is a fantastic city to live and work in and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping to make sure it remains a safe place to be.”