New Officers Welcomed to Essex Police by PFCC at Passing Out Parade
New police recruits have been tasked with helping Essex to achieve the lowest crime rates the county has ever had.
Fifty newly qualified police officers marched in front of their loved ones and invited dignitaries at their Passing Out Parade.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst MBE told the new officers: “My role is to welcome you to Essex Police on behalf of the people.
“The public tell me they love what you do, and they want more of what you do. They would not feel safe without you. You are such an important part of this county.
“Public confidence in policing depends absolutely on respect and treating them kindly. The vast majority of residents will not ever commit crime. In your role, you will sadly meet a lot of those who do and have to deal with them. But, always bear in mind most of the public are with you and are really grateful you are out there keeping the peace.
“Crime is going down – if you keep that up, Essex will have the lowest level of crime that it has ever had. A couple of more years like this and we will get there.
“That is so important as it allows your loved ones and everyone in this great county to live the lives they deserve to live.
“This is a wonderful place to live.
The timely ceremony, ahead of England’s next World Cup match in the early hours of Monday, inspired Mr Hirst to add: “With a 1am kick-off, people will want to be in pubs celebrating the football. This is what you are here for, to ensure they can do so safely. This is what makes us great and what makes life really fantastic, that we can plan for things like this and make sure that can happen safely. You enable people to do what they want to do, to go out in the early hours to celebrate and do things that are fun.
“That’s such an important role to play.”
The recruits have just completed 22 weeks at Essex Police College where they took part in classroom learning and practical exercises to challenge and develop them as operational officers.
They have also been assessed against the national standard by carrying out knowledge-based examinations and practical assessments.