ESSEX Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst tested out his sea legs when he visited the Port of London Police team at Tilbury Docks this week for an insight into the specialist work carried out across one of the country's busiest and most historic port environments.

Mr Hirst was welcomed by Chief of Police Matt Bass and members of his team, who provided a tour of port operations — including a short boat journey, during which the group experienced what can only be described as classic English weather.

The Port of London Police work closely with Essex Police, national agencies and port partners to support border security, tackle smuggling and trafficking, and maintain the safe operation of a port that remains central to both local and national resilience.

They remain a non‑Home Office, specialist police force, operating within the port estate and up to one mile beyond it, focusing on the running of a port that handles millions of tonnes of goods each year.

Mr Hirst expressed his thanks to the team for their warm welcome and the valuable insight into their operations. "It was a pleasure to visit the Port of London Police team at Tilbury Docks. Their work is vital to keeping one of the country's busiest ports safe and running smoothly. I was hugely impressed by the professionalism, dedication and partnership working shown by Chief Bass and his officers.

"These teams play a crucial role in protecting our borders and supporting the wider safety of Essex, and I'm grateful for the insight they provided during my visit."

The visit formed part of the Commissioner's ongoing commitment to meeting partners across Essex and understanding the challenges and demands placed on policing teams working in highly specialised environments.