New Chief Officer for Essex Police Special Constabulary

Essex Police Special Constabulary's new Chief Officer is looking forward to unprecedented challenges.

Leon Dias, 40, says: “I am immensely proud to be taking over as Chief Officer of Essex Police Special Constabulary. We are the second largest Special Constabulary in the country, which is testament to my predecessors, who I would like to thank for handing it over in such a strong position.

“It is a challenging time – we, like every other division, department and directorate, are undergoing radical change to meet the demands brought about by last year’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

“Although the Special Constabulary isn't in a position to make huge cost savings – as we are volunteers anyway – we are taking the opportunity to review our cost-effectiveness and productivity so we can ensure we are in a position to support Essex Police as the force continues to provide the quality of service the people of Essex have come to expect.”

Mr Dias, who took up the reins on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 has been a Special for 15 years – starting out in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, before moving back to serve in his home town of Colchester 13 years ago.

Last year he was promoted to Assistant Chief Officer, leading on planning the Special Constabulary’s role in Operation Cabinet, (police action to keep the peace during the site clearance at Dale Farm travellers’ site), the London 2012 Olympic Games as well as the force’s Reform Programme.

He says the need for change brings new opportunities for Specials.

Work is already ongoing to examine how the Specials can add value to the joint Kent and Essex Marine Unit ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, provide additional resilience to roads policing and our Reponse teams and be used as a tactical response to major incidents and identified crime trends.

Mr Dias says: “The London 2012 Olympic Games will show our strength. Assistant Chief Officer Derek Hopkins and I are already fully engaged with the Essex Police 2012 Planning Team as to how best we can support the force at this key time and I know that every Special is excited to be part of this historic event.”

Mr Dias has two children, aged nine and six, and says that, with his commitment to the Special Constabulary, his family and work as a partner in the family business running residential care homes for adults with learning disabilities in the Colchester area, he doesn’t have much time for other interests, although he is a keen skier.

• If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Special, contact Essex Police Special Constabulary support co-ordinator Denise Maynard on 101 ext 110010