Richards later attained a master's degree in criminology at the University of Cambridge during his career in the police force.
[3] Richards joined Warwickshire Police in 1982, where he was stationed across a range of geographical areas in numerous roles.
After obtaining his Criminology degree, Richards was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1998.
Richards was appointed Chief Constable of the Wiltshire Police in September 2004.
Richards has two sons from his first marriage, Charlie and Hugh, and two stepsons, Robert and Marcus.