ESSEX Police chief Ben-Julian Harrington has welcomed the first 55 new recruits of 2022 to Essex Police College as they embark on their 23-week journey with us.

The new recruits have joined through the new Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), meaning, as serving police officers, they'll be trained by the Essex force with the support of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) over the course of the next few years. They will train and develop to become police officers with their learning and training being accredited with a formal degree level qualification.

Throughout their time at Essex Police College, the new recruits will work together to develop a strong foundation of operational and vocational skills with the foundation of academic learning. From learning how to protect the most vulnerable to catching criminals and conducting investigations, the recruits will be committed to protecting and serving Essex communities every step of the way.

Chief Constable Harrington said: "I had the pleasure of meeting our new and ambitious recruits today who are raring to learn and start their new careers at Essex Police College supported by Anglia Ruskin University.

"They now share my responsibility to maintain the trust of the people of Essex and beyond and to ensure we never take it for granted.

"At the end of their time at college, they'll be ready to respond to 999 calls, lead on and assist investigations, patrol our cities, towns and villages, and reassure our communities.

"While the route into our profession will no doubt continue to change and adapt in the decades to come, our values and mission will not. We will continue to work together to catch criminals, protect people and keep the people of Essex safe."