Commissioner Richards’ career in policing spans almost 30 years across two police forces. He began his career with Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales in 1996, serving in both uniform and detective roles within small communities up to Inspector level. In 2015, he transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service, starting his London career in Wandsworth Borough where he led the Proactive Crime Team and delivered improved multi-agency response to gangs, child sexual abuse and knife crime. As a Detective Chief Inspector for Barnet Borough in 2016 he focused on reducing high levels of knife crime affecting young people. Owain returned to South-West London in 2018 as a Detective Superintendent and Head of Safeguarding for a four borough Basic Command Unit (BCU) and achieved recognition as chair of the Kingston-Richmond Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.
In 2021 as Chief Superintendent, Owain led Central West BCU, one of the largest local policing commands in the UK covering the London Boroughs of Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, with over 2000 officers and staff, focusing on improving culture, crime and criminal justice performance and stronger partnerships. In this capacity he contributed to a more effective public realm CCTV strategy in Westminster, championed a diversity mentoring exchange scheme with Westminster City Council and held Pan London functions as the community policing lead for the Afghanistan resettlement programme in London.
In February 2023 Owain joined the Met’s Executive Leadership Team as a Chief Officer – Commander, with responsibility for frontline policing where he led the local policing response to community tensions and hate crime arising from the Israel/Hamas conflict, as well as spearheading the Met’s response to a surge in organised smartphone crime as part of his overall responsibility for Serious and Organised Acquisitive Crime.
As Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police his focus is on keeping Gibraltar safe for all who live, work and visit here, and working with officers, staff, and partners to achieve that goal. He is committed to committed to strengthening community relationships, developing partnerships with other agencies, tackling crime, and ensuring the highest standards of integrity and service to the public.
Owain holds a Master’s degree in Applied Criminology and Police Management from the University of Cambridge. Outside of policing, he enjoys running, cycling, supporting Welsh rugby and outdoor activities with his family.