"You are the ones who will run towards danger, who will bang up the bad guy, who will help the vulnerable.

"It is a big responsibility, but it is hugely rewarding."

THAT was the message from Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to 70 new officers who took their oaths of service at a passing out ceremony on Friday, 6 March after completing their training.

He also spoke with a tinge of regret about changes he has had to make to the force, blaming funding cuts - adding:-

"Sadly, this change will also see some valued, experience, and skilled colleagues leave us."

The new officers passed out in front of Lord Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, High Sherrif Mrs Julie Foche and Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, as well as their family and friends.

CC Harrington addressed them: "You stand here, as thousands have done before you – wearing that Essex Police crest and, I hope, excited about what is to come.

"The trials, the tribulations the great experiences you will have to make a difference and of course the opportunities you have ahead to work as part of an amazing team.

"I did what you are doing now some 35 years ago, and I know that if I had the chance I would do it all again.

"You join at a time of conflict across the world, and challenge and change closer to home.

"I'm sure you will have seen pictures from the Middle East this week – understandably this will cause uncertainty here.

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"But will be the continuity and safety for our communities, whatever your background but especially those who are directly or indirectly affected.

"Here, we are going through a process of immense change which will see a reshaping of our service and continued focus on key things – tackling violence and women against girls, sexual violence, protecting the vulnerable, and being visible in our neighbourhoods.

"Sadly, this change will also see some valued, experience, and skilled colleagues leave us.

"The changes we are making are not just about money, they are about continuing to provide a consistent service to the public, but we have had to balance the books."

Mr Harrington continued: "New recruits, you join an incredible team.

"You are the ones who will run towards danger, who will bang up the bad guy, who will help the vulnerable.

"But you will be supported and range of dedicated and professional police staff. You will not be able to do your job without them.

"Keeping people safe is about teamwork and I am hugely proud of the team we have here in Essex.

"You join a force committed to protecting its public the public and keeping women and girls safe.

"In the last year our officers solved nearly 450 more domestic abuse cases than the year before.

"They solved nearly 160 more sexual offences – and doubled the number of rape cases solved.

"Last month detectives from our Serious Crime Directorate were personally thanked by a judge for their work which ensured a man was jailed for 13 years for sexually assaulting a 13 year-old girl.

"A conviction which was the result of, in his words, "focussed attention and hard work from people who work late at night and probably very early in the morning".

"The mother of the girl described them as 'amazing'.

"I find their commitment to securing justice inspiring, and I hope you do too.

"You will be going into locally policing teams, and they play a key role in keeping women and girls safe.

"So it will be you turning up when a call is made, it is you who will be there in someone's hour of need, and it will be you helping someone at their most vulnerable.

"When you go to that job, do it well.

"Be curious, ask questions, look for signs of vulnerability.

"You are the gatekeepers of our profession, and the confidence of the public is in your hands.

"Honesty and integrity are the foundations of what we do, the foundations of the relationship with the public, the foundations of British policing.

"It is a big responsibility, but it is hugely rewarding."

20260306 Passing out parade 2