Essex Police approaches record strength as force welcomes 62 new officers
It's hit a new record with the number of recruitments.
In the year we are set to see a record number of police officers keeping Essex safe, another 62 have been welcomed into the force.
They were welcomed into the policing family at the forces headquarters in Chelmsford - joining more than 3,500 officers who are protecting and serving the county.
By the end of March 2023, it will have 3,755 officers dedicated to helping people, catching criminals and bringing them to justice. That’s 200 more than at the end of March this year and 900 more than in 2016.
They're also recruiting an extra 72 members of police staff to support them.
That means the force is expected to hit record numbers later this year.
It says it's been made possible by an increase in funding thanks, to support from the public.
They pledged their commitment to serve Essex and its diverse communities in front of Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington and guests including Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, University of Essex vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster and the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani.
“You have put yourself forward to protect and serve, just as I did 32 years ago. You have put yourself forward to catch criminals, to protect people and to keep people safe. In doing this, you have placed the needs of others before your own.
“I know that you will work hard to earn and maintain the bond of trust between our force and the people we serve.
“Eight out of ten people in Essex have high levels of trust in us and I know that is something you will never take for granted.
“Recently, our professionalism has taken centre stage in the national news, with our hard work during the fuel protests in Thurrock. We kept people safe, we dealt with criminal behaviour that risked life and property and we kept Essex moving, all under intense scrutiny, rightly, from local people, businesses, elected representatives and the media.
“We’ve provided a first-class response to an issue that has national impact.
“In the last fortnight, your colleagues have been praised by a victim of domestic abuse whose attacker is now serving 20 months for assaulting her.
“In another case, they have seen a man jailed for an unprovoked attack which left his victim with life-threatening injuries. The attacker pleaded guilty because officers responded quickly, secured the evidence and built a strong case.
“They have been thanked by farmers for catching hare coursers who cause so much damage to valuable crops and so much harm to wildlife.
“And they have shut down fraudsters who stole from hundreds of victims in a £13million property scam. Five people have been brought to justice and will be sentenced this summer.”
Mr Harrington reminded them to police with consent: “If people trust us, they feel safer. If they trust us they call us and give us information and intelligence.
“You now share the responsibility to maintain this trust, to carry it forward on behalf of those who served before and hand it on, intact, to those who follow after.
“At a time of so much uncertainty at home and overseas, you will be a reassuring and constant presence in our villages, towns and cities.”
Speaking at the passing out parade, Mr Hirst told the new officers: “Each of you, here today, are joining a force that is getting stronger and better equipped than ever.
“Later this year, we will see our overall strength go beyond where it has ever been before.
“The residents of Essex have shown incredibly strong support for Essex Police and have consistently invested more in policing. Each year, I have been in my role, I have asked the public if they want to invest more in policing and every year they have said yes.
“They are your strongest supporters and with that support comes high expectations.
“They want to see you in their communities. They want you to prevent crime, support victims and protect the vulnerable.
“By stepping forward and choosing to join Essex Police you have made a commitment to the public to do all you can to keep them safe and prevent crime.
“Standing here today I want to recognise the commitment you have each made and thank you, the Chief Constable and his wider team for all you do and will do in the future to protect and serve our county.”
PC Bilal Ahmed is joining our Grays Local Policing Team and says passing out was ‘100% a proud moment’ because he’s always aspired to be a police officer.
“I joined the Special Constabulary when I was 19 and, for the past three years, I’ve been serving in Grays. I started seeing the impact that being a police officer had on people so I decided I wanted to do it full-time.
“I can’t wait to help and support the community in Grays and beyond.
“You can do this job regardless of your race and background. I’m Asian and my passing out shows that you can do it. You have to believe in yourself and just take the leap.”
PC Charlotte Hodges will begin her policing career as part of the Braintree Local Policing Team. She says she doesn’t view what she does as a job but as a lifestyle.
“Some victims will feel like they don’t have a voice and I want to help be that voice for them. Even if it’s something small, I want to be there for them so I can positively impact their day, week or maybe even their whole life.”
While PC Alexandra Lynch is heading for Colchester Local Policing Team and says she’s excited to think that every day will be different.
“As a police officer, I won’t just be arresting criminals, I’ll also get to talk to different communities, get to know them and their concerns and be there for them.
“I want to be that person who can provide reassurance. We’re here to help people.”