Detective Constable Reuben Brame

Our detectives have a commitment to make our communities safer. They aren’t always seen, but they are always there. They work to uncover the truth, protect vulnerable people, and deliver justice.

And Detective Constable Reuben Brame is no different. From his first day as a police constable on the beat, to his current role investigating our most serious crimes, he remains passionate about helping people. 

A surprising start

Before joining the police, Reuben had served in the Royal Air Force as a movements operator. But his time as a Special Constable in Suffolk inspired him to make the move to a full-time career in policing. 

He didn’t set out to become a detective. In fact, when Reuben joined, his focus was more on becoming a dog handler or roads police officer. But after being the first to arrive at the scene of a murder investigation, he saw one of our detectives in action and his career aspirations changed.

“I never actually wanted to be a detective when I joined the Police back in 2009. I began my career as a Special Constable in Suffolk, which was a fantastic way to get a feel for policing. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to take the leap and become a regular officer. I always thought I’d be a dog handler or keep our roads safe as a traffic officer.
“In fact, I’m ashamed to say it, but I didn’t have a great opinion of detective work at the time. I suppose I'd been influenced by what I'd heard from other people.
“But during one particularly long shift, I was the first police officer to arrive at the scene of a suspected murder and got to see a detective from the Major Investigations Team at work. 
"I was in awe of the detective and how detailed they were, determined to capture every bit of information to make sure nothing was missed.
"And after that, my mind was made up. I wanted to be a detective. But not just any detective. I wanted to be a detective on the Major Investigations Team.”

Returning home to Essex

Although he completed much of his training in Essex, Reuben's first years as a detective were with Suffolk Constabulary. At Essex Police, we welcome officers and police staff who’d like to apply to transfer to the force. Reuben joined our adult sexual assault investigation team in Colchester, where his experience proved invaluable.

A standout case for Reuben involved securing a conviction against Graham Carson in 2022. Carson, who was from Clacton and then aged 68, was handed a 26 year prison sentence with an additional six years to be spent on licence.

Reuben’s skill, compassion, and attention to detail were instrumental in achieving justice for the victims and their families.

The murder of Stephen and Carol Baxter

After years of focused effort, Reuben achieved what he had set out to do. He became a detective in our Major Investigation Team.

Here he investigated some of our most serious crimes in Essex.

One of Reuben's most challenging cases was the investigation into the tragic deaths of Stephen and Carol Baxter. Initially, there was no clear evidence of third-party involvement. However, through the team's tenacious investigation, they uncovered a disturbing web of manipulation, coercion, and digital deception. At the heart of the case was a secret that may have remained hidden forever if not for the detection skills of a dedicated team. 

Thanks to expert police staff including forensics and digital analysts, the suspect was brought to justice, and the county made a safer place.

“Every murder we investigate gets solved by the team, not by any one individual. The team is Essex Police.
“There were huge challenges in this case. Especially within the local community of Mersea. The suspect was seen as a pillar of the community. People didn’t want to believe he was capable of murder. The evidence told a different story.”

Keeping people safe

Reuben’s work doesn’t stop at solving cases. It’s about keeping people safe and creating safer neighbourhoods.

“We deal with the most serious and violent offenders. Essex is a safer place to live because we make sure it’s safe. That’s what drives me every day.”

And his advice to those considering a career in policing:

“I think being a detective is the best role in policing. If you only want to drive cars with blue lights, policing isn’t for you. But if you want to protect people, make sure offenders are held accountable for their actions, and make a lasting difference, this is the job.”

Reuben's story is one of unexpected turns and an unwavering commitment to justice. At Essex Police, we’re proud to have detectives like Reuben. Officers who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.

See Reuben and team at work in new documentary

Watch Reuben and the team unravel the Baxter murder case and secure justice for Carol, Stephen and their family in the new two-part true-crime documentary series; The Essex Millionaire Murders on ITV.

Part 1: Monday 28 April at 9pm

Part 2: Tuesday 29 April at 9pm

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 fit the bill