Essex Pride

Our Essex Police LGBTQ+ Network was joined by our Chief Constable BJ Harrington at Essex Pride on Saturday 22 June in Central Park, Chelmsford.

The team returned to support Pride Essex for its 20th year of the festival followed by the Pride March through Chelmsford City centre.

Three decades since the Essex Police LGBTQ+ Network began in 1996, its members and volunteers have continued to provide support for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Raising awareness of issues being faced both inside and outside the force, influencing internal policies and advising colleagues on dealing with hate crime in the community.

The Network aims to ensure that, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, there are equal rights for all officers, staff and volunteers.

Talking about their time at the Essex Pride event, Network co-chairs, Sergeants Rebecca Shoebridge-Cave and Matt Hughes said: 

“There was lots of positive engagement with attendees. We also answered some questions about recruitment and hate crime too.
"It is really important for us as a network to be present at these events, not only for to spend time within the wider-community, but to show that Essex Police is an inclusive organisation that encourages and welcomes diversity.
"It's a great opportunity for us to show that as an organisation we reflect the communities we serve.
"We had a great time speaking with everyone.”

At Essex Police, we value difference. We know we’re strongest when we work together. And we want a workforce that represents our communities. 

If you share our values and want to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals, then join us as a police officer, member of staff, special constable or volunteer.

Find out if you #FitTheBill by visiting our careers page.