77 new police officers welcomed to Essex Police by PFCC

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst welcomed 77 new Essex Police officers to careers keeping Essex communities safe at a passing out ceremony at force HQ in Chelmsford.

The new officers took their policing pledge in front of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, friends and family, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington QPM, High Sheriff David Hurst, Deputy Lieutenant Nick Alston, and Essex's Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton.

This new group of officers are joining at a time when the work of Essex Police is continuing to bring down crime across the county with more than 10,000 fewer offences in the last year.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Passing Out Parades are a very special occasion, it is always a pleasure to share a few words with newly qualified officers at the very start of their careers.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication to joining the force, as well as congratulating them for completing their initial training.

“Essex Police is the biggest and strongest it has ever been, and we must use that to ensure visible policing is delivered in local communities across the county.

"Local, visible, accessible policing is a priority in the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 and welcoming new officers today demonstrates the commitment of the PFCC and Essex Police to implementing that priority.”

Chief Constable Harrington said: “You will be the first cohort of officers who will make up our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

“The name is new but the job is the same – protecting victims, detecting crime, and preventing it happening in the first place.

“Whatever team you join, the mission is the same. There will be a lot of focus on the work you do but you have my support, and you have the support of the people of Essex.

“Seventy-seven percent of people here think you do a good or excellent job. We cannot take that confidence for granted but you can go about your work knowing our communities have your back.”