Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet

Each year, the Essex Police Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible dedication, courage, and teamwork shown by officers, staff, Specials, and volunteers across the county.

It's a chance to say thank you to the people who go the extra mile to keep our communities safe. It's also an opportunity to recognise the individuals behind the uniform. Not only for their achievements but for the everyday difference they make.

Among the many teams being recognised were our specialist officers in the Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT), who work tirelessly to protect children from online harm.

Over the past year alone, POLIT safeguarded 255 children and carried out 204 warrants, resulting in 151 arrests. Their work involves confronting difficult and often distressing material.

Yet their commitment to keeping children safe never wavers. Their efforts have positioned Essex as a national leader in tackling online child abuse, strengthened further through international partnerships and advanced investigative techniques.

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet was recognised for her work within the team and was named winner of The Outstanding Commitment to Essex Police Award. 

Emma has transformed wellbeing within Essex POLIT through compassionate and creative leadership. She has introduced initiatives such as wellbeing days, office plants, “welfare fish”, games and emergency toiletries to help create a supportive environment for her team.

Emma also leads on inclusivity and innovation. Contributing to national work on deepfake technology and sharing Essex Police’s welfare model with forces across the UK.

Emma joined Essex Police in 2006. She started her policing career with the community policing team before moving into response policing. Two years later in 2008, she began her detective career in the domestic abuse and hate crime unit. 

By 2010 Emma was part of our Crime and Public Protection Command. A specialist team, they protect vulnerable people and investigate serious crimes that can cause a lot of harm. Their work includes keeping people safe, supporting victims, and dealing with very sensitive and complex cases.

“Aside from a couple of years in counter terrorism, my focus has always been on public protection" said Emma.
“I’ve worked across child abuse investigation teams, adult sexual assault investigations, and historic abuse cases.
"Since 2022, I’ve been the Detective Inspector for POLIT, and I’ve seen firsthand how challenging, but also how rewarding, this work can be.
“Welfare is incredibly important to me. I’ve introduced wellbeing days, added plants to the office, brought in welfare fish, games, and emergency toiletries to help create a more supportive environment. But the biggest difference has come from having embedded therapists like Sally and Louise on board.”

Emma manages six teams tackling online child sexual abuse. The team investigate offenders who take, make or share abusive images and videos, and respond to reports from undercover officers and activist groups who pose as children online to catch predators.

Emma is proud of the work her and her team do, not just locally, but globally too. 

“Public protection is my passion. I’m proud of my team - they face horrific content and high demand, yet they remain committed to safeguarding victims and the public.
"I’m also part of a national network of POLIT managers, and together we’re driving innovation and best practice across the UK. Our work is part of a global response to online child abuse and knowing we’re making a real difference is incredibly fulfilling.”

Emma is also the Diversity Equality Inclusion Coordinator in the region for the International Police Association, supporting the SHEisIPA and HeForShe initiatives. This is created to encourage more diverse representation of staff and officers.

Emma takes this role very seriously and feels empowered to support women in policing across the UK and British Overseas Territories. She helps chair meetings, present to international groups, and is part of the team organising the 2026 Women in Policing Awards.

Working in POLIT is not just a job - it’s an arduous, emotionally taxing commitment. The team faces distressing material and high-pressure investigations daily, making it essential for officers to find ways to recharge and maintain their wellbeing.

For Emma, paddleboarding provides the perfect release. With over 15 years of experience, she’s explored waterways across the UK and beyond, seeking out adventure and calm in equal measure.

“One of the most memorable journeys took place in Florida, I joined a paddleboarding tour to see the manatees. The trip took an unexpected turn when, already out on the water, the guide casually mentioned the presence of alligators along the riverbanks – caught me off guard somewhat!”

Back home, Emma’s paddleboarding escapades have included tackling rapids in Wales with friends, donning lifejackets and embracing the challenge of fast-moving water. Whether gliding through tranquil lakes or navigating wild rivers, Emma’s love for paddleboarding is more than just a hobby, it’s a testament to her adventurous spirit and her commitment to finding balance and joy outside the intense demands of her role in POLIT.

It also highlights how crucial it is for those working in such challenging environments to prioritise self-care and seek out activities that help restore energy and perspective. Paddleboarding, for Emma, is not just about adventure - it’s about maintaining the resilience needed to continue making a difference.

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.

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