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New Forest’s new police district commander, Ch. Insp. Scott Johnson vows to combat shoplifting and other thefts




TACKLING shoplifting and other theft offences are among the main goals for the New Forest’s new police district commander.

Ch. Insp Scott Johnson replaces predecessor Ch. Insp. Nick Marsden, who has moved on to a new role in the Hampshire force.

Bringing 27 years of experience, Mr Johnson comes fresh from having served as district commander for the Basingstoke and Deane district for nearly two-and-half years.

Ch. Insp. Scott Johnson is the new district commander for the New Forest
Ch. Insp. Scott Johnson is the new district commander for the New Forest

He relocated there on promotion to sergeant in 2002, having begun his career in Southampton.

Local policing, safeguarding and force incident management have been among his roles, and he was also a tactical firearms commander.

In 2007, Mr Johnson was staff officer to then chief constables Paul Kernaghan and Alex Marshall.

Five years later, he was seconded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services, working on anti-social behaviour issues and stop and search inspections.

In November 2022, Mr Johnson received a certificate of recognition from the Basingstoke Cultural Diversity Consortium.

He is also an experienced member of the hostage and crisis negotiator team.

Former New Forest district commander Ch. Insp. Nick Marsden has moved on to a new role in the force (picture: Hampshire police)
Former New Forest district commander Ch. Insp. Nick Marsden has moved on to a new role in the force (picture: Hampshire police)

“While this is one of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of the county and country to work in, I also understand the unique policing challenges we face here, in a large rural area,” Mr Johnson said.

“Although only in my second week, I can already assure you all that my dedicated teams and officers will be continuing to work extremely hard to address and tackle the issues and crimes affecting you in your communities.”

Urging people to continue to report issues, he added: “My priorities for the New Forest are to continue in our efforts to tackle shoplifting and other acquisitive crime, catching those responsible and putting them before the courts.”

The Let’s Talk survey, gauging the community’s needs and concerns, can be completed online at tinyurl.com/yfsrbtfz



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