A RECENTLY recruited and trained officer will be the latest addition to South Ockendon's community police team and PC Rosie Eastman says: "I want to get to know my community so I can give my input and help make a difference."

PC Eastman is one of 12 new recruits joining Essex Police through a slightly different route – being recruited via Police Now, a training scheme for graduates with leadership potential to become inspirational neighbourhood police officers and detectives who will help to transform communities.

Over the summer, while still doing their initial training, they the local teams during some of the year's busiest periods.

Now that training is complete, they will be full time members of teams serving local communities and will shortly be working with councils, schools, hospitals, local charities and voluntary groups to identify local problems, then developing innovative ideas & techniques to tackle the challenges, to help make your communities safer places to live & work in and to visit.

If you are interested in a career with Essex Police click here to see what options the force has to offer.