Thirty-three new officers ready to serve our neighbourhoods

Thirty-three new officers are ready to protect and serve our neighbourhoods across Essex after taking their oaths.

They passed out at a ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters in front of their friends and family.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington led the ceremony and was joined by the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, the Lord Lieutenant for Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, the High Sheriff for Essex Julie Fosh, Major Stephan D’Abreu-Hayling from Sandhurst and Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton.

The ceremony takes place a week after the force launched its Neighbourhood Policing Teams, which will see 74 new officer roles added across the county, and will tackle the issues that matter to you.

Addressing the new recruits, Chief Constable Harrington said: “Like the thousands of officers who have gone before you over the 185-year history of this force, you have answered the call to serve the people of Greater Essex.

“We all took an oath together today. A solemn oath of service. An oath I am proud of and one I hope you are proud of too.

“I will though remind you of four words that formed part of the that promised, and I would ask you to remember them and let them guide you at work and off duty.

“We promised to police with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

“Remember them, because if you do you will do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons and as such I will stand by you and more importantly the public will as well.

“It is essential that you carry out your duties with the utmost professionalism.

“Sir Robert Peel said that the police must “maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police.”

“This means you must build and maintain strong relationships with the public.

“Your legitimacy and effectiveness depend on public approval, trust, and cooperation. You must police with the community, not to the community.

“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the public. Around 75% of people in Greater Essex believe we are doing a good or excellent job. Maintaining that support is vital.

“As you begin your careers, many of you will be posted to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams. You will be uniquely placed to build positive relationships with the people of Greater Essex.

“Why? Because you will be the visible presence in our neighbourhoods. And we know that more than 90% of people in our county want to see a regular uniformed presence in their area.

“So, what do I ask of you?

“Be visible. Speak to and engage with the people of Essex—not just those affected by crime, but everyone: those going about their day, those who live, work, and visit our county. Become a known and trusted presence. Listen to the public, understand their concerns, and get to know them."

“You are becoming part of a whole-force effort that has contributed to a significant reduction in crime. We’ve seen nearly 10,000 fewer crimes reported in the last year, and more than 22,000 fewer than five years ago.

“Anti-social behaviour is down by around 65% over the same period. And we are solving more crime than we were this time last year.”

“Policing is a great profession. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 35 years of service, and I remain proud to be your Chief Constable.

“I am jealous that you are at the start of your journey and in some I wish, like you are about to, I could do it all again.

“So good luck, stay safe, work hard and well done.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Passing Out Parades are a very special occasion for the newly qualified officers and their families.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication to joining the force, as well as congratulating them for completing their initial training.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Essex Police. Local, visible, accessible policing is a top priority in the PFCC Police and Crime Plan, formulated after consulting over 5,000 people, and also in the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

“74 officers have now been assigned to new Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the county and we now have a wonderful opportunity to prove to Essex people that we are a visible, effective, responsive and efficient service, driving crime further down and making county communities safer.
Our new officers will be a vital part of that opportunity.”

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