"You will save lives and you will change lives."

THAT was the message to 56 new Essex Police officers who took their oaths and joined the force.

The new recruits passed out at Essex Police HQ in front of Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, His Majesty's Deputy Lieutenant for Essex Sidra Naeem, High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh and to Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Colchester Garrison Commander, and their friends and family.

DCC Nolan addressed the new officers: "You have so much in front of you. The profession you have stepped forward to join is unique. 

"Be under no illusions; you will save lives and you will change lives. 

"You will help people in their darkest moments. You will give them hope and help deliver justice. You will see people at their best and their worst. 

"Each experience will make you stronger and more resilient and you will be part of a team. Part of the Essex Police family that is defined by its professionalism, its dedication, commitment and bravery. 

"Treasure this moment, and remember our role is to help people, to catch criminals and to keep people safe – including the person standing next to you. 

"Do those things and you will find that the people of our brilliant county will support you."

DCC Nolan told the new officers they are joining a force that is delivering for the people of Essex: "Your force – our force – solved 2,000 more crimes last year compared to the year before. 

"We also made more arrests and secured over 15,000 criminal charges in 2025...a 12% increase on 2024. 

"These are the big differences we can make to so many people's lives. 

His Majesty's Deputy Lieutenant for Essex Sidra Naeem was among the dignitaries.

"Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are now more visible and accessible to the public, but whether you are working on response or neighbourhoods, you are responsive to the needs of the people we serve. Many people will always remember their interactions with you. 

"You will be faced with challenge but with that comes opportunity. 

"The opportunity to track down even more stolen vehicles and catch the people who think - wrongly – that they can get away with crime in Essex. 

"The opportunity to investigate complex cases – like the Essex Police detectives and expert search teams who you may have seen on TV this week who came together to catch a killer right here in Chelmsford. 

"The opportunity to protect people who are vulnerable and at risk of harm online and maybe at risk in their very own homes, too. 

"You are what stands between those who are intent on causing harm and those who depend on you for protection. Never forget that. 

"Remember your oath as a constable and our code of ethics. 

"So - be proud of what you have achieved. Be proud of the service you pledge today. 

"Well done and good luck."

Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "More local, visible and accessible policing remains the top public priority for investment, as shown by a recent PFCC survey. 

"We remain steadfastly focussed on our core priorities – reducing all crime, tackling violence against women and girls, driving down anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people, bringing road deaths to zero and creating safe and secure communities. These are tasks which we are sure our new officers will rise to meet."