We Value Difference at Essex Police
Officers and staff from all different backgrounds have come together to tell their stories and highlight our dedication to diversity, inclusion and equality.
The We Value Difference campaign is a part of our successful Fit the Bill recruitment drive.
It focuses on dispelling the myths that you have to be a certain ‘type’ of person to be a police officer. At Essex Police, we know that the best way to maintain an effective, forward-thinking workforce is to continue to represent our county, and country, including the differences this can bring.
Superintendent Naomi Edwards is our Hate Crime Lead and is no stranger to the importance of promoting diversity, she says:
“Our officers, staff and volunteers have different life experiences, different skills and represent communities from across our county which is integral in serving and protecting the people of Essex. In order to bridge the gap and reduce hate crime across the board, it is vital that Essex Police continues to be a reflection of the county it serves.
“At Essex Police, there’s plenty of opportunities to progress and promote to senior levels. It’s really important for me as a senior leader that I inspire my team and my local community as well as other women to join policing”
Nine strands of difference
We Value Difference predominantly focuses on nine strands of difference:
- Personality
- Age
- Cultural background
- Ethnicity
- Sexual orientation
- Gender
- Language
- Education
- Faith.
Our police officers and detectives are continuing to create equal opportunities for everyone. Almost 37% of our officers are female, and 4% are officers from ethnic minority backgrounds.
In 2022, our application rates in under-represented groups continued to grow, with 13% of our applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to 12% in 2021, and 42% of applicants being women, compared to 37% in 2021.
Officers and staff members have provided case studies for this campaign and they’re available on our officer and staff profile web page.
They include PC Humza Bokhari, who is part of the Town Centre Team in Basildon, and has been serving Essex Police since last summer. His day jobs includes everything from foot patrols to drugs warrants, gaining local intelligence and engaging with the public.
He says of his job:
“Policing is probably one of the most challenging jobs you can do. Every day is different, with no two days the same.”
When one his family members explained that he would be treated differently by other officers because of his ethnicity, Hamza ignored them and applied anyway. He’s glad he did:
“I can confirm these were all myths and I have been welcomed with open arms by everyone. My only regret is that I should have applied sooner!”
A full list of the eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found via the link below.
