Essex Police reaches record strength

Fifty-two new officers are preparing for front line duties in the villages, towns and cities of Greater Essex after passing out Essex Police HQ on Friday 19th August 2022.

In a parade led by Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet and attended by the Home Secretary Rt Hon Priti Patel MP and the Essex Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, the officers formally commenced their new duties as the force reached record strength.

Essex Police projects a force of 3,755 FTE officers dedicated to helping people, keeping people safe, and catching criminals by March 2023, thanks to public support and funding from both the Police Uplift Programme for 20,000 extra officers in England & Wales and also from the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

There has been investment in new policing units such as our Town Centre Teams, which provide a visible reassurance to rural and urban communities and a deterrent to criminals.

There has also been investment in new specialist teams such as the Quest team, which investigates non-recent child sexual abuse, and the Domestic Abuse Problem Solving Teams, which break the cycle of abuse, supporting victims and bringing criminals to justice.

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner said:

“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome our newest recruits as they begin their policing careers. Their commitment to helping keep us safe, protecting victims and supporting those when they need it most makes me incredibly grateful and their family and friends very proud.

“As they go out in our communities as ambassadors of the force, I know they will do so with fairness, integrity and impartiality. I am hugely proud of them all for stepping forward to do such an important job and wish them all the very best of luck in their future career.

“I also want to thank the people of Essex, whose contribution through the policing precept is helping to make Essex Police the strongest it has ever been.”