Uttlesford District
Welcome to the Uttlesford district web page.

District Commander update
I have taken over the role of the District Commander for
Braintree and Uttlesford districts and I am looking forward to a
new challenge of rural policing.

Chief Inspector Richard
Melton
I joined Essex Police in 1998 and have held a number of
positions throughout my time working for a great police
force. My previous response and neighbourhood postings have
been in the south of the county which is a contrasting policing
style to Braintree and Uttlesford districts. The majority of
my career however has been spent as a firearms officer.
Following promotion to sergeant, I held posts at driving school
as a police driving instructor, Tilbury response team, and then
temporary Inspector of Tilbury neighbourhood policing team.
Following promotion to Inspector, I moved into the Force Control
Room as the operational control room Inspector. Most recently
I have been the Detective Chief Inspector for the North policing
area.
Essex is a safe county to live and Uttlesford and Braintree are
comparatively low crime areas when measured against crimes
committed elsewhere. However the sheer size of the two districts
taken together (483sq miles) brings unique policing
challenges. I am committed to working very closely with
communities, partner agencies and the Special Constabulary to
ensure that I can maximise the service given to towns and villages
within the districts.
I intend to focus on reducing crimes that seriously affect
people’s lives such as burglary and assaults, yet it is clear that
crime in the area is committed by a small minority of people. I
will make no apology for making their lives uncomfortable. I
also acknowledge that anti-social behaviour and nuisance issues are
just as topical with local residents and will strive to ensure that
overt policing, PCSOs, specials and partner agencies are also
focused towards dealing with these issues where possible.
This will mirror Essex Police’s commitment to:
- Reduce crime and harm in our communities
- Solve crime and do everything we can to bring those that commit
crime to justice
- Keep victims at the forefront of our thoughts throughout
investigations and improve satisfaction
I need you as local residents to be my eyes and ears and to
ensure that any information relating to crime or anti-social
behaviour is reported either via the 999 system (in an emergency),
dialling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111.