Owain Richards sworn in as RGP Commissioner

Commander Owain Richards has been sworn in as Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police in a ceremony at the convent today.

Cdr Richards is the first Commissioner to be appointed from outside Gibraltar since Alan Castree in 1997.

He brings with him nearly three decades of policing experience, having served in both Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales and in London's Metropolitan Police Service.

Before the swearing in ceremony, Mr Richards took an oath to become a Constable in the Royal Gibraltar Police. All police officers, regardless of rank hold the Office of Constable.  This grants them powers to detect, prevent and investigate crime.

Mr Richards also took the Oath of Allegiance to the King, with this overseen by the Chief Justice.

The Warrant of Appointment was read by the Governor.

The Governor, Sir Ben Bathurst says:

‘The Royal Gibraltar Police are vital for ensuring the safety of our community. I am very grateful for the Gibraltar Police Authority for conducting the selection process which has led to the appointment of Commissioner Owain Richards and for the support of the Chief Minister. Commissioner Richards brings a wealth of experience from policing in Wales and in London, spanning community policing, serious and complex crime and safeguarding vulnerable people. He will help adapt policing in Gibraltar to these new challenges, taking into account lessons identified by the McGrail inquiry, as well as the new circumstances brought about by the UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar and any security threats emerging from the wider geopolitical environment. This will require a close working relationship between myself, the Chief Minister and the Government, along with the Gibraltar Police Authority, the Royal Gibraltar Police and the Police Federation, as well as the other uniformed civilian services and His Majesty’s Armed Forces in Gibraltar and of course the community, including businesses, in Gibraltar’.

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo  says:

‘I look forward to congratulating Mr Richards on his appointment as Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police today. I will say more at the Ceremony itself but in terms of the competition to select the new Commissioner, I was delighted at the very high standard of applications the role attracted.

Our intention has been to get the best possible resource for the RGP at this time when policing is facing a number of new and complex challenges. The Government looks forward to working with Mr Richards in dealing with them and keeping Gibraltar safe.’

Gibraltar Police Authority Chair Peter Montegriffo says:

‘We are delighted to welcome Commissioner Owain Richards to Gibraltar and would like to thank all those who assisted in the selection process. Owain’s very wide experience and knowledge will prove very valuable to the RGP. He joins a mature, professional and vitally important organisation which  continues to adapt to the many challenges ahead of us. We look forward to working with him, his colleagues, and all stakeholders to push forward the further reforms that will be necessary and to keep our community safe and secure’.

Commissioner Owain Richards says:

‘It is an honour to take on this prestigious role as Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police. My focus will be on three key priorities: ensuring the safety and security of communities, those who live, work in, and visit Gibraltar; investing in our workforce—ensuring our officers and staff are well-led, well-equipped, and fully recognised for their dedication and service; and driving collaboration in the widest sense. That means working closely with His Excellency the Governor, HMGovernment of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Police Authority, our partners, and the community to deliver meaningful reform and help keep Gibraltar safe. In the context of the upcoming UK/EU treaty and a rapidly evolving world, building and strengthening these relationships will be vital. I am proud to lead the RGP through this important chapter.’