ESSEX Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington recently welcomed 52 new officers into his force at a passing out parade at HQ in Chelmsford and urged them to be proud of the work they will be doing.

The officers of class intake 1/24 made their pledges in front of their families, friends and invited guests including Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, High Sheriff David Hurst, and Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst.

The 31 men and 21 women will soon be out on duty across the county

Speaking at the event, CC Harrington said he was proud of the progress officers were making in driving down criminality, saying: "Incidents of violence, sexual offences, and domestic abuse are down. "We are identifying and arresting violent offenders and limiting their ability to reoffend. We are safeguarding vulnerable people who may be at risk of exploitation.

"This summer, thanks to the work of our officers, a dangerous man who planned to kidnap and murder a popular TV star is now serving life in prison.

"A gang of burglars were sentenced to a total of 33 years after a break-in Loughton.

"And when I see headlines claiming – wrongly - that police have given up catching shoplifters, in Essex, I think of the 1,000 arrests for shoplifting that your fellow officers have made since January."

CCHarrington talks to a new recruit.

The Chief Constable also highlighted the force's investment in new technology with the recent introduction of live facial recognition and referenced the strong policing response after the disorder witnessed in a number of towns and cities this summer.

He said: "As National Police Chiefs' Council lead for public order, I saw first-hand the challenge of people online spreading disinformation and encouraging others to commit crime.

"Officers across the country demonstrated exceptional professionalism and they stood firm in the face of aggression and violence.

"Nationally, there have been more than 1,200 arrests of people involved in the riots and spreading hate online.

"Here in Essex, people didn't throw bricks or start fires. They understood that if you try to commit crime in Essex, you can expect to be arrested.

"It's this simple commitment – our commitment as police officers – that means we have such a strong community spirit in our cities, towns and villages."

The Passing Out parade

CC Harrington concluded with words of advice for the new recruits from his 34 years in policing, adding: "Embrace the challenge. Make the most of every opportunity. Stay true to our values.

"There will be days when you will need the support of your team, and the family and friends who are here with you today.

"There will be times when you will go home and sit down with a cup of tea and wonder how you can do it all over again tomorrow.

"But I promise you - the tough days will be outnumbered by the great days – the days when you return a missing child to their parents, take a drug dealer off the streets or help a family escape a domestic abuser.

"Look after each other. Be proud of who you are. Be proud of the job you do."