Meet retired Inspector Brad Dickel

Meet Brad Dickel, our respected colleague and friend, who is hanging up his boots after 32 years’ service at Essex Police.

Find out what Brad says about his career, and his advice to anyone wanting to follow in his steps, to join us as a police officer.

"I started my career with Essex Police back in 1992 at the age of 16 and joined the regulars on D day 6th of June 1994."

"I was originally posted to my home town of Shoeburyness and spent the next 18 years working in a variety of roles in Southend and the south of the county.
"I was lucky enough to be promoted to Sergeant and Inspector at Southend, working with some exceptional people and had the pleasure of supervising tactical and focus teams, targeting known criminals.
"I left Southend in 2014 to take the reigns as the unit commander of the counties Dog Section where Essex led the region in both the setting of standards and results achieved throughout. I was proud to be involved in the 2019 unveiling of the National Police & working group Dogs Memorial in Oakland’s Park, Chelmsford, an event attended by a number of dignitaries including the then Commissioner of the Met Cressida Dick.
"I also enjoyed additions to my supervisory portfolio which saw me take over the line management of Specialist Operations incorporating Drones, Search, CBRN, Marine, and Water Incident Management.
"My final posting for the past four years has been in Learning & Development, line managing both Taser and Public Personal Safety Training which has been thoroughly enjoyable. Both of these teams are highly professional and the dedication shown daily by highly skilled and motivated individuals made supervising the teams an absolute pleasure."

"I started my career as a cadet, then I became a constable, sergeant and then an Inspector.
"In 2012, I spent a year of my career as Temporary District Commander for Southend in 2012."

"As Counter Terrorism Security Coordinator (CTSecCo) I am proud to have planned and led on over 100 operations designed to mitigate the threat harm and risk of terrorism towards events, festivals, and VIP visits alike.
"This included V Festival, the visit of three American Presidents to Stansted, State Visits, Queens Jubilee and funeral, Kings Coronation amongst many others.
"I’m incredibly proud of the relationships forged during my tenure both nationally and internationally with Essex now held in high regard in this specialism. Developing this vitally important specialism and leading for the 7 forces of the Eastern Region has been my biggest achievement."

"The most challenging moments over the past 32 years include arresting suspects for rape and murders to being involved in arresting and bringing about the first successful prosecution in the county for the offence of grooming of an under 13 year old for a sexual purpose."

"I’ve enjoyed every role and position I’ve held so it’s difficult to choose one solitary role.
"Every one has it’s own benefits and challenges although nothing beats being a Sergeant on a proactive team with the flexibility to target those that cause such misery to society.
"I was lucky enough to have had this both in Southend and Castle Point where the teams achieved outstanding results."

"Anyone seeking a career with huge variety, endless opportunities, and to be part of a team who can genuinely make a difference should consider Essex Police."

"Definitely do it! Make sure you find your feet and learn the role properly and don’t be too eager to move on to pastures new.
"Nothing beats being part of a team and giving something back to society. Enjoy the journey as time flies by."

"I’m looking forward to spending more time with my friends and family whilst I consider what my next steps are."

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.