New Essex Police officers pass out
The new recruits have joined at a "time of growth" for the force
New officers have joined Essex Police, at what the Chief Constable has described as an "unprecedented time".
The intake of 22 men and 15 women joined Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, and Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of the Essex Chambers of Commerce and Industry at a Covid-secure passing out ceremony at headquarters.
The new recruits have joined at a "time of growth" for the force, with officer numbers set to exceed 3,500 by March 2022.
In the past year, an increasing amount of work has reportedly been done to the tackle the most serious crime, with extra officers combating domestic abuse, sexual violence and County Lines drug supply.
As a result, high harm offences are down by 14.7 per cent, and violence with injury fell 10 per cent.
In his speech, Chief Constable Harrington told the officers they were joining the Essex Police family at an unprecedented time.
He said:
"I am delighted to welcome 37 new officers to our growing number of brave men and women protecting and serving Essex.
"By continuing to invest in the teams and officers that investigate the offences which cause the greatest harm, such as domestic abuse, we will be able to support victims, protect vulnerable people, and tackle violent crime.
"I am committed to being an inclusive force, which welcomes people from all walks of life, with all backgrounds bringing the widest range of experiences and perspectives as long as they meet the highest values and ethics that all of us and the public hold so dear.
"Since its launch in September last year when you have been conducting your training, we have attracted more people from diverse backgrounds through our #FitTheBill We Value Difference campaign.
"We’ve generated more than 2,000 new applications, with around 14 per cent from people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
"Over the same period, the number of women applying to join the Essex Police family increased significantly as well.
"Not since the Second World War has our country faced such a challenge.
"At times of challenge, the public will look to our leaders and they will also look to you to help them and keep them safe.
"We are leading the response across greater Essex, working with partners to protect and serve Essex at a time when people are relying on us to support a safe return to normality.
"That is why it has never been more important for policing and for you to think about the core principles of your role.
"I mentioned this when I first welcomed you to the force and will say it again; help people, keep them safe and catch criminals."