The probe being conducted by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) involves concerns the chief constable failed to adequately investigate allegations relating to the improper retention of sensitive police information by a senior colleague.
Acting chief constable Mr Snuggs has 26 years police service, previously working in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, most recently as their deputy chief constable.
He was awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for Distinguished Service to policing in the recent New Year Honours list.
From, March 2020 to September 2021 he was assistant chief constable operations with portfolio responsibility for the Joint Operations Unit and Contact Management across Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary.
He chairs the national Forensic Information Database Services (FINDS) Strategy Board on behalf of the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC). He is also the national lead for Hostage and Crisis Negotiation, having been a negotiator for eight years.
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Mr Snuggs is a strategic firearms commander, counter terrorism (CT) commander and member of the national cadre of chief officers who assume overall tactical command for resolving CT incidents.
He has a long track record of leading and supporting digital policing, and the use of science and technology to improve the service.
In 2009 he served in Afghanistan as a European Union Police Mission civilian police advisor to the Minister of the Interior.
He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a degree in Law and Criminology (LL.B) and a Master’s degree in Police Leadership and Management (MSc).
Ben Snuggs was recognised in the New Year Honours (Image: TVP) Mr Snuggs also led the force and multiagency policing response for Prince Philip’s funeral.
Following the announcement that Mr Hogg was suspended on Thursday (January 16), Mr Snuggs said: “I want to reassure everyone across Thames Valley that we will continue to serve, protect and respond to our communities as normal.
“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 added the force was not in a position to make any further comment on the ongoing investigation.
Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, announced the suspension on Thursday.
He said: “I emphasise that the decision to suspend is a neutral act. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.”