Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, has reappointed Ben-Julian ("BJ") Harrington as the Chief Constable of Essex for a further three years to October 2026.

In making the news public, Mr Hirst said: "The Chief Constable has made a significant difference for the people of Essex.

"Under his leadership Essex Police have reduced burglary, theft and anti-social behaviour, improved public confidence and invested in more visible neighbourhood policing."

"The Chief Constable has led the force as it has faced and overcome a number of major challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and the tragic death of 39 people in a container in Grays.

"As Essex Police has grown, to become the largest it has ever been in its 182-year history, the Chief Constable has be able to provide a stronger, more visible policing presence in communities.

"He has introduced new teams to tackle the priorities within the Police and Crime Plan, including Town Centre Teams, the Business Crime Team, Rural Crime Team and Domestic Abuse Problem Solving Teams.

"The new Serious Violence Unit has been effective in tackling the organised criminals and county lines that fuel drug driven violence in our communities. Under his leadership, it has worked effectively with the Violence and Vulnerability Unit to protect young people and prevent them from being exploited by drug gangs."

CC BJ Harrington.

Chief Constable Harrington said: "It's a huge privilege to lead and work with so many brave, professional and dedicated officers, Police staff and volunteers.

"At Essex Police our focus is simple; we catch criminals, we protect people and we strive to keep our communities safe working with them and all of the public services in Essex.

"I'm committed to preventing crime and making Essex an even better, even safer place.

"I will continue to lead the force to the best of my ability and work with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst to make that happen."

Strategic ambitions

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable have agreed the following strategic ambitions.

• Continue the strategic shift of Essex Police towards the prevention of crime and harm.
• Continue to increase the volumes of high harm crime which are solved, such as violence with injury, rape and domestic burglary.
• Achieve and maintain Essex Police's recruitment ambitions, building both the capacity and capability of the force.
• Continue to develop the prevention and diversion activities to reduce domestic abuse, drug driven violence, rape and serious sexual offending.
• Continue to build and develop public trust and confidence in Essex Police.