Project Servator: Keeping Essex Safe This Summer

As the summer season brings festivals, holidays, and large gatherings across Essex, we are stepping up our efforts to keep communities safe through Project Servator - a policing tactic designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, and enhance security in public spaces, while providing a reassuring presence in public spaces.

Project Servator involves highly visible and unpredictable police deployments. These patrols are carried out by specially trained officers who are skilled in identifying suspicious behaviour and working closely with our community and partners to deter crime.

The approach is supported by a range of resources, including plain clothes officers, police dogs, armed units, CCTV operators and much more. The goal is simple: to make it difficult for criminals to operate while reassuring the public that their safety is our top priority.

Superintendent Phil Stinger shares how we are working with the public to ensure a secure and enjoyable summer for all:

“Summer in Essex is a time for celebration, connection, and community. With a range of festivals, events and holiday travels taking place across the county, we want to make sure everyone can enjoy the season safely.  

“Project Servator is all about working together. We’re here to reassure the public, disrupt crime, and spot anything that might be out of place, but we can’t do it without you. Our communities are our greatest partners. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and let us know.

“Together, we’ve got it covered” 

These deployments are not in response to any intelligence but are part of a proactive strategy to keep Essex safe during a busy time of year.

Community engagement is at the heart of Project Servator. Our officers regularly speak with members of the public, local businesses, and event organisers to raise awareness and encourage vigilance for anyone acting suspiciously. Everyone has a role to play in keeping public spaces safe.

You have an important role to play in helping to keep our streets safe. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, whether it’s unattended bags, unusual behaviour, or someone taking an unusual interest in security measures, trust your instincts and report it to us.

If you see our officers out and about this summer, don’t hesitate to say hello. They’re there to help, answer questions, and explain how Project Servator works.

You’ll never get into trouble for reporting a genuine concern and we’ll always take your report seriously.

If you see something suspicious, please tell a police officer, use our online form to tell us about possible terrorist activity, or call the confidential Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. If it's an emergency, always call 999.

You’ll find more information on what to look out for and how to report it at ACT (Action Counters Terrorism).

Together, we can make Essex a safer place for everyone.