Our values
Service standards
We will always treat you fairly with dignity and respect and ensure that you can easily contact us.
We will get back to you within 48 hours if you report you are not happy with our service.
We will aim to answer emergency calls (999) within 10 seconds and to do our best to be with you in 15 minutes if you are in a town and 20 minutes if you are in a place that is harder to get to (rural areas).
We will answer all non emergency calls (101 or 01245 491491) as quickly as possible. If we need to see you we will give you an estimated time of arrival or make an appointment to see you at a mutually agreeable time.
We will give out information about your local officers so that you know who they are and how to contact them.
We will listen to feedback about our services. We will arrange regular opportunities to meet you and give updates on our work and the progress we are making.
We will publish local crime data on our website.
We will ensure your local officer calls you back within 24 hours if you ring or text them about an issue.
If you are a victim of crime we will agree with you how you would like to be kept informed of progress. You have the right to be kept informed at least every month if you wish and for as long as is reasonable.
You can find out details about your local officer by entering your postcode in the Your area section of this website or by calling the non emergency number (101 or 01245 491491).
To let us know about the service you received, go to thanks or complaints.
For more information about local crime data and the policing priorities for your area visit the Your area section of our website.
In an emergency always dial 999.
Code of ethics
At Essex Police we will use the ethical policing principles to help us make and reflect on our professional decisions.
As policing professionals, we commit to the following:
We show courage by:
- Taking responsibility.
- Setting an example.
- Challenging unprofessional behaviour and practice.
- Being honest, open and accountable.
- Encouraging feedback and scrutiny.
We show respect and empathy by:
- Acting with respect
- Listening to and understanding different perspectives
- Understanding the impact of emotions and welfare
- Responding to individual needs
- Being fair and impartial
We provide public service by:
- Delivering a service to be proud of.
- Acting lawfully.
- Understanding and responding to the public's needs.
- Reflecting on and applying knowledge and experience.
- Improving our self, peers and our profession.
Being a member of the policing profession
We recognise that, as a result of being part of the policing profession, higher expectations are placed on us compared to the general public. As policing professionals, more attention is likely to be drawn to any misuse of our position or any failure to meet the expectations of our profession.
We uphold and promote the reputation of the police service by acting lawfully and in a way that demonstrates fairness and respect, policing with integrity, trust, confidence and legitimacy (in line with the College of Policing leadership standards).
See guidance for ethical and professional behaviour in policing.