Chief Constable recruitment
Welcome message from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about the opportunity to become the next Chief Constable of Essex Police.
Essex is a diverse, growing and ambitious county and I am proud of the progress that Essex Police has made in recent years. I am now seeking a Chief Constable who can build on this success and continue to deliver against my priorities for policing and crime in Essex and the national priorities set out in the Strategic Policing Requirement. They will need to be able to do this against the background of radical reform of policing nationally and of local government within our region.
The Police and Crime Plan 2024 – 2028 sets out my six clear priorities for policing and community safety in Essex. These priorities reflect the issues that matter most to our residents and provide the framework against which I hold Essex Police to account. I am committed to delivering these priorities in partnership with the new Chief Constable, councils, criminal justice partners and our communities.
The six priorities are:
- More local, visible and accessible policing – Making sure that the police are out there when you need them, that they deliver an effective response and undertake good quality, appropriate investigations.
- Drive down anti-social behaviour and crime – Delivering more hotspot policing and monitoring of known offenders to prevent crime in all of our communities.
- Ensure vulnerable people are protected – Work with our communities to prevent crime, support victims and ensure that criminal have no place to operate. Work alongside partners to identify people who are at risk or vulnerable, and help them stay safe and away from a life of crime.
- Beat knife crime and drugs gangs and protect young people – Work in partnership and target our collective resources to take drugs and weapons off our streets and help young people get out of gangs.
- Tackle violence against women and girls and domestic abuse – Invest in interventions proven to reduce crime and promote a sense of safety in communities. Work with partners to prevent offending, protect those at risk and bring more perpetrators to justice.
- Improve road safety and reduce road deaths in Essex to zero – By working with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), we will help build a safer road network, tackle speeding and drink and drug driving through better technology, better education and better enforcement, and work with manufacturers to increase vehicle safety.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the force to continue building on the progress already made against these priorities. I am looking for an outstanding leader with the credibility, values and vision to lead Essex Police. In particular, I am seeking:
- A values-based, inspirational leader who role models the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity and demonstrates commitment to improving the culture of policing.
- An innovator who is experienced in leading change and modernising policing in a complex and demanding environment.
- A proven, operationally credible leader who can translate strategic vision into measurable outcomes that reduce crime and harm.
- A confident and authentic communicator who engages effectively with the public, partners, officers, staff and volunteers.
- A leader who is passionate about developing people, wellbeing and organisational culture, ensuring Essex Police remains an inclusive employer of choice where everyone feels valued and included.
This is a significant and rewarding opportunity to lead one of the country’s most dynamic police forces, working in close partnership with communities and key stakeholders.
If you would like to find out more about the role, the force and my expectations as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, please visit the Apply page to formally register your interest and request an application pack.
I look forward to hearing from exceptional candidates who share my commitment to serving the people of Essex and leading Essex Police with integrity, ambition and care.
Roger Hirst
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex