It brings an end to a 36-year career in policing
Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington is to retire(Image: PA)
Essex’s most senior police officer has made a sudden announcement that he will retire. Chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington will stand down from his position as the county’s highest-ranking officer.
The senior officer said it had been “an honour and a privilege”, ending a 36-year career in policing, which began in 1990 in the Metropolitan Police. He moved to Essex Police in 2017, initially as deputy chief constable, before taking on the top job the following year.
He has led the force during a series of high-profile investigations, including the discovery of 39 bodies in the back of a lorry and the assassination of Sir David Amess. The announcement comes midway through Mr Harrington’s three-year contract, signed in October 2022. It would have seen him continue to October this year.
Aside from his role in Essex, Mr Harrington played an active role in national policing. He was the national lead for Public Order and Public Safety policing, coordinating the national response to the disorder in the summer of 2024.
Reflecting on his time at the helm of the 186-year-old constabulary, Mr Harrington said: “Being chief constable of Essex Police has been so much more than a job. For the last eight years, this force has been my life and my family. The role of chief constable is an honour and privilege: leading the most committed and brave officers who, every day, run towards danger, without second thought; leading the most dedicated police staff who go above and beyond every day without question; leading the volunteers who give up their own time for the greater good of our communities.
“In the last eight years we have achieved so much: preventing, reducing crime and solving more crime; helping victims; using technology and innovation; relentlessly pursuing the bad guys and locking them up; growing and reshaping our force to ensure we are fit for the challenges of now and the future; and, the single most important part of our oath, protecting and serving the people of Essex. I am so proud of all we have achieved and I’m so grateful to all in Essex Police, our fire and ambulance colleagues, our partners in local government and voluntary and community sectors and our PFCC Roger Hirst.
“But most of all I am grateful to you – the people of Essex. I came to this county having grown up in North London, but over the years Essex has secured the most special place in my heart. It’s a county that is vibrant, diverse and full of brilliant people – people who make it so unique. My thanks to all of the people of Essex for your support and I know you will continue to get behind Essex Police, thank you.”
The county’s Police, Fire and Crime commissioner, Roger Hirst MBE, thanked the outgoing chief constable for his leadership and commitment to policing for more than three decades. He added: “During his time as chief constable, Essex Police has made real progress in bringing more offenders to justice, in line with the priorities set out in our Police and Crime Plan.
“Neighbourhood policing has strengthened its focus on visibility in communities, protecting vulnerable people and working with partners to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. He leaves Essex Police in a strong position for the future.”
