THE new Chief Constable of Essex Police has been formally confirmed by the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

Rachel Nolan, who has served Essex Police for more than 27 years and currently serves as Deputy Chief Constable, was approved following a confirmation hearing by the Panel at County Hall, Chelmsford, today (Thursday 23 July) and will become the 14th Chief Constable of Essex Police.

Mrs Nolan joined Essex Police as a police constable in 1998 and has progressed through every rank within the force. During her career she has held a wide range of operational and leadership roles across Essex and at a national level.

CC Nolan said: "I am absolutely delighted and privileged today to be confirmed as the new Chief Constable of Essex Police and I look forward to formally taking up post in the coming months.

"Our force, through the strong leadership of our current Chief Constable BJ Harrington, has a strong track record of delivering for the public and a proud workforce of officers, staff and volunteers who make a difference every day.

"I look forward to leading our force, serving our communities and working with our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, and his team, to continue to keep Essex a safe place to live.

"I am committed to listening and working together to shape our approach, focusing on prevention, protection and professionalism, while always listening to our communities and victims to deliver the high-quality policing they expect and deserve."

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Rachel Nolan showed she was the outstanding candidate at every stage of the rigorous and highly competitive appointment process to become the Chief Constable of Essex Police. She brings a wealth of policing knowledge, having served at every rank within the force, alongside significant strategic and national leadership experience.

"Rachel has a clear vision for the future of policing in Essex and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Her commitment to prevention, tackling crime and improving confidence in the way the force supports victims closely aligns with the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.

"I have every confidence Rachel will continue to build on the work achieved by the force in recent years, working with partners and communities to make Essex safer.

"My thanks go to the outgoing Chief Constable BJ Harrington for his exceptional service and high achievement leading the force. His contribution to policing in Essex and at a national level has been immense, and he leaves behind a force that is well placed for the future under Rachel's capable leadership."

Chief Constable Nolan succeeds BJ Harrington, who has led Essex Police since 2018.