Quick to catch criminals and keep our roads safe - but not afraid to be different

Essex Police is a growing force and we’re always looking to the future, whether that’s how we continue to drive down crime or continue to support victims – and we’re also very proud of our heritage.

Crime is down in Essex, but we never rest on our laurels, we’re quick to catch criminals and keep our roads safe.

We have more officers on our roads and country lanes than ever before and last year our Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit recovered 626 stolen vehicles, more than ever before.

Essex Police is different: we’re not afraid to try something new, and that’s what sets us apart. 

That’s why we’re pleased to announce our collaboration with Hornby Hobbies who are released a new special edition Scalextric Ford RS200 Essex Police slot car on Monday 12 June. 

The legendary rally car of the 1980s was developed by Ford engineers in Essex and featured the force’s road safety campaigns. 

Now the force has given permission for its 183-year-old insignia to be used on a brand-new model of the famous rally car to send the same message. 

Detective Inspector Clayton Ford who led the project, said:

“Crime is down in Essex. We’re starting to see the impact of the investment in the force from the public.
“We have more officers on our roads and country lanes than ever before.
“These Scalextric cars have cost the force nothing financially, but they help us send a clear message: stay safe when you're driving and if you'd like to join our growing team, apply today.
“We’re proud of our heritage. The original RS200 was developed by expert Ford engineers in our county and today we have a team of incredibly skilled technicians who keep the force’s fleet running day and night at the very same site.”

Scalextric Marketing Manager, Charlotte Gowers, added:

“We’re pleased Hornby Hobbies are working with Essex Police, to introduce this special edition Scalextric Ford RS200.
“The Ford RS200 embodies the very essence of raw power, exhilarating speed, and unwavering authority and we are thrilled to be showcasing the iconic Essex Police livery on our Scalextric slot car, designed to honour the force dedicated to keeping Essex safe.”

Supporting the project from inception, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington QPM, added:

“Essex Police never stands still. We’re approaching the future of policing in new and exciting ways and our team of police staff, officers and volunteers is still growing.
“We’re also modernising our fleet of vehicles and you’ll start to see more of them in your villages and towns. There has never been a better time to join our team.”

As part of the project, PC Mike Jelley has been instrumental in obtaining the Ford Heritage Centre’s RS200 and permission for the actual car on which the model is based to be wrapped in the Essex Police livery and crest, just like the car used in the 1980s road safety campaign alongside a Ford Sierra Cosworth.

The Roads Policing officer explained:

“The RS200 was a limited-edition sports car made for the racing market. There were only 200 made and Ford owns the last one that rolled off the production line – RS200, number 200 - as part of their heritage collection.
“The company who liveries our current cars agreed to do the RS200 and they have done a brilliant job – everyone who works with us is expert in their field and it really shows!
“I had the privilege of being the first police officer in 40 years to drive it and only the second in history, quite an honour.”

We want to attract the best people to join Essex Police, right now we are recruiting for expert vehicle technicians and IT analysts, plus police officers, transferees, police staff and volunteers.

We want people who share our values, want to protect our community and serve alongside people who are proud of what they do. 

Join us today.