Richard Thisby
Fareham,Hampshire
Summary
A highly motivated individual with exceptional problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of working under pressure whilst managing time effectively. Skilled in logical evaluation of evidence and drawing valid conclusions, complemented by excellent communication skills that foster quick and professional relationship-building.
Adept at maintaining detailed written records to support investigations and ensure thoroughness, with experience engaging high-profile stakeholders. A background in the military and teaching has instilled strong morals, patience, robustness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Committed to delivering results in both team settings and independent roles while upholding professionalism and impartiality.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Police Officer
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Fareham, Hampshire
07.2017 - Current
- As a Response & Patrol Officer, I worked as part of a shift covering the City of Portsmouth and completed several attachments alongside my normal role, including three months with a CID team where I interviewed victims and suspects, as well as preparing case files for submission to the CPS.
- In 2021, I successfully applied to the Dedicated Source Unit, where I am currently based. The primary role of a source handler is to recruit and manage Covert Human Intelligence Sources, supporting ongoing and future law enforcement operations.
- On the ground, I engage with people from all elements of society, from sources to stakeholders, building rapport whilst upholding professional standards in intelligence gathering. This also requires accurate preparatory work and report writing to ensure I remain within the legal framework and uphold operational safety in a role where significant risk exists.
- Alongside my normal duties I also manage the team's secure mobile phone system and the vehicle fleet.
Yacht Skipper
Various
Various/South Coast, Various
05.2014 - 07.2017
- In this role, I was a freelance skipper employed by several companies to deliver a wide range of practical on-water and classroom-based courses.
- When not delivering RYA training courses, I skippered yachts on the competitive sailing circuit, specialising in long offshore races such as Atlantic crossings and the Round Britain and Ireland race.
- Key elements of my role included managing the crew health and safety (including regulatory compliance), communicating effectively with crew and customers and risk management, all in a naturally hostile, high-pressure and unforgiving environment.
Soldier
British Army
Various, Various
05.1992 - 05.2014
- Employed as an Observation Post Assistant specialising in communications, I deployed on several operational tours including Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo prior to being re-roled into a mechanised Air Defence regiment as a Detachment Commander.
- In 2003, I promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was appointed the Principal & Chief Instructor of the Army Inshore Sail Training Centre, based on Thorney Island. My responsibilities in included managing a team of instructors delivering water- and shore-based courses, overseeing significant site development, course programming and accounting. This qualified around 2000 soldiers per annum.
- During this period, I implemented decompression packages for those returning from operational tours and pioneered a pathway for injured service personnel to return to competitive sport, in conjunction with the organisation Battle Back.
- I was also responsible for securing significant investment into the site for a new bespoke accommodation building for those attending courses and civilian weekend use.
Education
H8 - Online Covert Human Intelligence Handler - Police
The College of Policing
United Kingdom 07.2025 - 07.2025
H1 - Covert Human Intelligence Source Handler - Police
The College of Policing
United Kingdom 01.2021 - 02.2021
GCSEs - English
Burleigh High School
Plymouth, Devon 07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - Maths
Burleigh High School
Plymouth, Devon 07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - General Science
Burleigh High School
Plymouth, Devon 07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - History
Burleigh High School
Plymouth, Devon 07.1988 - 07.1988
NVQ Level 3 - Telecommunications
British Army
Larkhill, Wiltshire 09.1998 - 11.1998
GCSEs - Geography
Burleigh High School
Plymouth, Devon 07.1988 - 07.1988
Skills
- Effective time manager with proven skills in working under pressure
- Logical and open minded, questioning inconsistencies to draw accurate conclusions
- An accurate and precise investigator, producing detailed written reports using a range of different software
- Excels in both team environments and completing independent work, alongside exceptional problem-solving skills
- Excellent communicator, often liaising with high-profile stakeholders such as Regional Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism and Specialist Investigations and quickly building strong relationships
- Displays a strong moral compass combined with patience and robustness, as well as high levels of emotional intelligence
Affiliations
- I enjoy travel, am a proficient skier and a qualified Master Scuba Diver, as well as numerous sailing and watersports qualifications. I run regularly and have an aspiration to complete a marathon in the near future.
Accomplishments
- Awarded an MBE in 2014 for Services to Army Sailing.
- Awarded a General Officer Commanding (3 Div) Commendation for non-operational Gallantry in 2006.
- Awarded a Head of Command's Commendation in 2022 for tenacity, professionalism and sustained teamwork for a specific police operation.
Certification
Full UK Drivers Licence with no endorsements.
Timeline
H8 - Online Covert Human Intelligence Handler - Police
The College of Policing
07.2025 - 07.2025
H1 - Covert Human Intelligence Source Handler - Police
The College of Policing
01.2021 - 02.2021
Police Officer
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
07.2017 - Current
Yacht Skipper
Various
05.2014 - 07.2017
NVQ Level 3 - Telecommunications
British Army
09.1998 - 11.1998
Soldier
British Army
05.1992 - 05.2014
GCSEs - English
Burleigh High School
07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - Maths
Burleigh High School
07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - General Science
Burleigh High School
07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - History
Burleigh High School
07.1988 - 07.1988
GCSEs - Geography
Burleigh High School
07.1988 - 07.1988