ESSEX Police have a team of specially trained contact handlers ready to help the public this summer, with officers urging people to pick the right channels for the help they need.
A spokesperson said: “Our Live Chat, available 24/7 on our website, connects the public directly to a real person, a trained call handler who can assess what help they need and quickly provide it.
For non-emergencies, the public is asked to Stop, Think and Choose – use Live Chat tor call 101 if you need to speak to someone now, or make a report online if you need to tell the police about something that’s already happened”.
Chief Inspector Stuart Rawlings, of our Contact Management Command, said:
“I’d like to thank those already using our Live chat service. It helps keeps our phone lines clear for 999 calls where there’s an immediate danger to someone or there’s a crime in progress.
“Summer is always a busy time for policing, and we plan carefully to meet that demand.
“If callers stop, think and choose the right way to contact us, we can all help ensure those in genuine emergencies get through to us quickly.”
In the first two weeks of May 2026 we have had 700 chats per week, with usage expected to rise further over the summer as demand increases. The service has been in place since 2020 and has been available 24-hours-a-day since 2024.
Ch Insp Rawlings added:
“My team do an incredible job. I’m really proud of the results they achieve because it’s challenging work but so important we get help for people in their most difficult moments every day.
“Our Live Chat service provides immediate access to those trained professionals. If you need an emergency response, we will make sure it happens.
“The more people use Live Chat, the more it helps us respond to emergency calls. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.”
This method is a good tool to remember ahead of the bank holiday, the good weather and this summer’s World Cup.
Head of Roads Policing Adam Pipe added:
“Summer brings more opportunities to socialise, but there’s never an excuse to gamble on driving under the influence. Drugs and alcohol can still affect you the next day, so don’t take the risk on our roads if you could be under the influence.
“Sometimes you might not feel able to challenge a friend, but if you’re worried they’re going to do something dangerous you can use Live Chat to let us know discreetly.
You’ll still be talking to a real person in real-time, so we can send the right officers to help.
“If you think someone is about to drive after drinking or taking drugs, speak up – a quick message via Live Chat could save a life.”
Police continue to target dangerous driving, with 19 fatal collisions recorded in 2026 so far. Daily patrols on our major and country roads result in people being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Mr Pipe added:
“Drink and drug driving is one of the major contributors to serious or fatal collisions. The less people drink and drug driving, the safer we all are.
“Through our work as part of the Safer Essex roads Partnership, we’re continuing to make Essex’s roads safer.”
