Recognised for keeping Essex safe for more than half a century

More than half a century of public service and helping to keep Essex safe has been recognised by the Queen.

Brian Jaggs, our Head of IT Infrastructure, was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and he has now been presented with it by Essex Lord-Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst.

After the Investiture at County Hall in Chelmsford, Brian, who was one of two Essex police staff members so honoured last summer, said the reality of receiving the British Empire Medal finally hit him at the awards ceremony.

“To be in the company of, and to hear the nominations of, the other award recipients who had given so much to the people of Essex, was very humbling.
“To then hear my own nomination in full, especially the closing sentence which referenced statements made by both Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington and Kent Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, reinforced to me the magnitude of this recognition.”
Head of Infrastructure Brian Jaggs

Brian joined Essex Police 53 years ago as a police cadet, then served 30 years as a police officer, retiring as a chief inspector before re-joining us as a member of police staff. He was tasked to establish our IT Services department 20 years ago and, in 2010, he oversaw the establishment of the joint Essex Police and Kent Police IT Services department.

Now, Brian uses his vast technological expertise to oversee the transformation of policing processes and to ensure IT solutions maximise the ability of our police officers and staff to carry out their roles.

“Throughout, my work ethic has always been to provide the best possible service to the public and also, since I began working in IT, to provide the best possible support to our officers and staff.
“I feel very proud and honoured that my work and contribution had been recognised with such a prestigious award and to work in organisations which will nominate their officers and staff for such awards.”
Brian Jaggs   

Two years ago, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian’s expert knowledge, commitment and innovative flair saw him create a team who worked seven days a week to build and deliver more than 2,500 additional laptops for officers and staff who needed to work from home.

This enabled officers and staff across both forces to continue protecting and serving their counties, with record low absence rates, during an extremely challenging time for policing and, indeed, the entire country.

 

Has Brian inspired you?

If Brian’s long career helping to protect and serve the people of Essex and Kent has inspired you and you think you fit the bill, visit www.essex.police.uk/careers to see what careers we have to offer

Essex Police values difference and people from all walks of life are applying to join our policing family. Everyone is welcome if you share our values and want to help people and protect and serve our communities.