NEARLY 80 new Essex Police officers passed out at a ceremony at the force HQ today (Friday 7 March).
The new officers took their policing pledge in front of their friends and family, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington QPM, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, High Sheriff David Hurst, Deputy Lieutenant Nick Alston, and Essex’s Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton.
A spokesperson said: “This new group of officers are joining at a time when the work of Essex Police is continuing to bring down crime across the county with more than 10,000 fewer offences in the last year.
“Our officers are driving down crime”.
Addressing the new recruits Chief Constable Harrington said: “You’re embarking on a career like no other… challenging, yes… but extremely rewarding.
“You will protect the public, you will help them, and you will get them justice.
“It will be you running towards danger when others run away.
“It will be you keeping the county safe, while our communities sleep.
“It will be you making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.
“Today, you join a force that is successful in driving down crime – more than 10,000 fewer offences in the last year and nearly 25,000 fewer than five years ago.
“Violent, domestic, and sexual offences are all down.
“Burglary… down.
“Robbery… down.
“Vehicle theft… down.
“Anti-social behaviour… down.
“We attend more than 99 percent of all home burglaries and we’re solving more than most other forces.
“We arrest and charge more people who pose a risk to children online than anyone else.
“Last year we made nearly 1,400 shoplifting arrests and secured more than 2,500 charges.
“And we’re utilising cutting edge technology like Live Facial Recognition to arrest suspects and protect the public.”
“A time of change and challenge”
Chief Constable Harrington told the new officers they are joining at a time of “change and challenge”:
“Our financial difficulties are well documented, and we are having to make some tough decisions.
“Decisions we do not want to make and ones we do not make lightly.
“There is, and will continue to be, debate about what policing should or shouldn’t prioritise, how our resources should be deployed, and what crimes are most important.
“But you must not be distracted. Focus on the job and support each other.
“You will be the first cohort of officers who will make up our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
“The name is new but the job is the same – protecting victims, detecting crime, and preventing it happening in the first place.
“Whatever team you join, the mission is the same.
“There will be a lot of focus on the work you do but you have my support, and you have the support of the people of Essex.
“Seventy-seven percent of people here think you do a good or excellent job.
“We cannot take that confidence for granted but you can go about your work knowing our communities have your back.
“This week we have been celebrating the impact police staff make to the lives of people in Essex.
“They are the backbone of policing and their contribution to keeping the public safe should never be underestimated or undervalued.
“But they are going through an extremely challenging time.
“They will support you every day and it is more important than ever than we show them our support.”
We act with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality
The Chief Constable concluded with a simple message for the new recruits from his 35 years in policing:
“My commitment to each and everyone of you is that I will support you.
“And what I need from you is to uphold our standards. To be always professional. To be good citizens, in uniform. But to be trusted, you must first be trustworthy.
“So, listen to the communities you serve. Explain what you do and why you do it.
“When you stop and search, when you respond to calls for help, when you patrol our country lanes and our urban streets, you must be the very best advocates not only for Essex Police but for British policing too.
“Remember the oath you swore with me today.
“I am proud to be your chief and proud of every one of you.
“Good luck and congratulations. I wish you all the very best in your careers.”
Visibility in our communities
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Passing Out Parades are a very special occasion, it is always a pleasure to share a few words with newly qualified officers at the very start of their careers.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication to joining the force, as well as congratulating them for completing their initial training.
“Essex Police is the biggest and strongest it has ever been, and we must use that to ensure visible policing is delivered in local communities across the county.
“Local, visible, accessible policing is a top priority in the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 and welcoming new officers today demonstrates the commitment of the PFCC and Essex Police to implementing that priority.”
