New Chief Constable takes the oath
The new Chief Constable of Essex Police has formally taken up the position today, Thursday, October 4.
Ben-Julian “BJ” Harrington, is the 13th officer to serve the county in its highest uniformed position. He swore the oath in front of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Assistant Chief Constable’s Andy Prophet and other officers and staff at a special ceremony at Police Headquarters in Chelmsford.
Chief Constable Harrington started his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990 in north east London.
Chief Constable Harrington and Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex
Speaking after the ceremony he said: “I am proud and privileged to be a police officer and especially honoured to be the thirteenth Chief Constable of Essex Police.
“There are well over five thousand officers, staff and specials working hard across our county to keep people safe, and our focus must be to protect the vulnerable, bring criminals to justice and work with our partners to solve the problems our communities face.
“We have a hugely positive future ahead of us and I can’t wait to get started.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “On behalf of the people of Essex I am delighted that Mr Harrington is now officially Chief Constable of Essex Police. He has already made a significant impact since joining Essex Police as Temporary Deputy Chief Constable in March 2017 and will bring a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Constable.
“The residents of Essex and the officers, staff and volunteers who make up Essex Police can be assured that Mr Harrington is an outstanding leader, cemented by more than 27 years of operational service both in Essex and the Metropolitan Police Service. I’m looking forward to working with him in the future as we work towards the vision for Essex that safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which we build success and wellbeing for all.”
Mr Harrington takes the reins from Stephen Kavanagh who left the force on Tuesday, October 2, after serving four years five months as the Essex Chief and more than 33 years in total as a police officer.
