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We know that following the growth of our community policing teams in towns and villages across Essex that local people want to see and hear from our officers.
Maintaining the trust and confidence of everyone who lives and works in Essex is our highest priority and we know that this bond of trust helps us to catch criminals and keep people safe.
To ensure you continue to feel safe in all circumstances, your officers will be happy to use the following method to reassure anyone about their dedication to their duties and their good intent.
We know that events across the UK have caused some concern, particularly in instances where officers may be working alone.
From today if you are stopped by an officer, they will be happy to verify that they are on duty and the location that they are patrolling in using our police systems. We are calling this an ‘officer identity check’ and this is what will happen.
As part of Essex Police’s commitment to keep you safe and maintain your confidence here are some assurances from us around what our officer will and won’t do:
Police officers swear an oath to preserve life and protect and serve the people of Essex. Due to their unrelenting commitment to their oath and to you, their public, there may be instances when, whilst off duty, our officers are required to step in to save lives, protect the public and make arrests. In these instances they will likely only have their warrant card and are unlikely to have access to police radios or other equipment. If you find yourself in a situation with an off duty officer please ask their name, rank and which force they work for. If you dial 101 and ask for their police force you should be able to carry out an officer identity check. If you have any concerns about your safety and feel there is a clear and present danger to you, please call 999.