ESSEX Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington QPM welcomed 46 new police officers into the county force at a passing out parade at force HQ in Chelmsford.

The new officers made their policing pledge at Essex Police Headquarters and passed out in front of family, friends, CC Harrington, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, and from the Royal Navy, Commander Chris Cozens of HMS Venturer.

Commissioner Hirst was one of those who address the recrtuits and in a wider message said: "Essex Police is the biggest and strongest it has ever been, and we must use that to ensure visible policing is delivered in local communities."

Speaking to new officers, CC Harrington said he's committed to reducing crime even further this winter, saying he was proud of the progress officers were making in driving down criminality:

He added: "When society is tucked up in bed, it will be our police officers who are out keeping the county safe – sometimes walking right into dangerous situations and tackling them head on, putting the welfare of our communities ahead of their own.

"It is why we attended 77,000 emergencies in the last year. It's why we made more than 30,000 arrests. And it's why we secured 13,000 charges.

"And we are bringing down crime – 9,300 fewer offences reported in the last year and 20,000 fewer than five years ago.

"Violent, sexual, and domestic offences are down. Knife crime – down. Anti-social behaviour – down.

"We're solving more home burglaries than almost any other force, attend 98 per cent of them, and are starting to see them fall too.

"We also arrest and charge more people who pose a risk to children online than any other force.

"So far this year we've made around 1,500 shoplifting arrests and secured 2,500 charges."

Royal Navy Officer standing in uniform speaking to a police officer in uniform

The Chief Constable also highlighted the importance for the force's investment in new specialist staff and technology, as well as referenced what it takes to keep pushing crime down.

He said: "Our work to establish policing hotspots to cut violent crime has been rolled out across the UK.

"We're one of just three forces in the country to operate Live Facial Recognition technology, which has already proved successful at identifying suspects and bringing them into custody.

"But we are at a critical moment, and decisions made now will echo for years to come.

"Because, we can only keep this work going, keep crime coming down, keep providing this level of service to the public if we have the right resourcing.

"It costs tens of thousands of pounds to train and equip each new officer and we're spending millions of pounds more each year to keep our buildings fit for purpose.

"We are the eighth largest force in the country but only Wiltshire gets proportionately less funding.

"Cumbria can spend 40 percent more per person living there on policing than we can.

"We put more officers in our communities, on our roads, and in our towns and villages for every pound in funding we receive than any other force.

"We need to continue employing specialist staff like IT – 90 percent of crime has a digital footprint – forensics, training and development, detention officers, call handlers.

"Their work is crucial, as is the work of all the people who ensure this force can protect and serve the people of Essex in the amazing way it does."

New officers met the dignataries up close.

The Chief Constable concluded with a simple message for the new recruits from his 34 years in policing:

"My message to you is clear – if someone contacts us and says they believe a crime has been committed, you investigate it.

"If someone says they have been the victim of crime, you investigate it.

"You protect the victim; you follow reasonable lines of enquiry, and you do this without fear or favour.

"It's what we do… It's what we've always done… And it's what we will continue to do.

"You have my support to do this, and you have the support of the people of Essex – 77 percent of whom think Essex Police does a good or excellent job.

"Good luck and congratulations to every one of you and I wish you all the very best in your careers."

Police Commissioner Hirst said: "Passing Out Parades are a very special occasion for the newly qualified officers and their families.

"It's an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication to joining the force, as well as congratulating them for completing their initial training.

"Essex Police is the biggest and strongest it has ever been, and we must use that to ensure visible policing is delivered in local communities. Local, visible, accessible policing is a top priority in the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 and welcoming new officers today demonstrates the commitment of the PFCC and Essex Police to implementing that priority over the next four years."