News 10 May to 16 June
 New Chief Constable candidate announced
Rachel Nolan has been named as the preferred candidate to become Chief Constable of Essex Police, following a full selection process.
Rachel joined Essex Police in 1998 and has worked her way up through every rank over the past 27 years. She is currently Deputy Chief Constable and brings a wide range of operational and leadership experience, both locally and nationally.
Her appointment will be confirmed at a Police, Fire and Crime Panel hearing. If approved, she will take over from Chief Constable BJ Harrington and continue leading the force’s work to prevent crime, protect communities and deliver a high standard of policing across Essex.
 Ten people sentenced after police break up major cocaine supply network across Essex
An organised crime network responsible for funnelling millions of pounds’ worth of cocaine into Essex has been dismantled from the top down.
Drugs courier William England, 71, became the final domino to fall last month, when he was jailed for more than five years.
England joins nine other offenders - including wholesale suppliers, criminal associates and street level dealers - who have now all been convicted and sentenced as part of this complex investigation.
In total, more than 45 years in prison sentences have been handed down.
Detectives with our Serious and Organised Crime Unit spent two years piecing together the conspiracy, unpicking a sophisticated supply chain responsible for trafficking and distributing dozens of kilograms of cocaine across Essex.
 Project Servator in Action
Our specially trained Project Servator officers have been out in Colchester, speaking with local businesses and security staff about how they can help keep the city safe by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right.
They’ve shared simple signs to look out for that could suggest someone is gathering information for criminal activity, including terrorism.
Project Servator deployments are a normal part of our work and aren’t linked to any specific threat to the area.
Find out more about Project Servator on our website.
 Essex Police ready for 2026 World Cup
Teams across Essex Police are prepared to keep you safe during the 2026 World Cup - and we’re asking everyone to behave responsibly during the tournament.
Policing plans are in place for all England group stage games, against Croatia on 17 June, Ghana on 23 June and Panama on 27 June.
There’s also measures in place for when - not if - England make their way through the knockout stages and hopefully to the final on Sunday 19 July.
We know weeks great sport and warm weather will mean there’s even more reason for football fans and the public to enjoy themselves in pubs and bars across Essex.
This increased activity can lead to an increase in the risk of public order incidents, which is why we’ve been planning ahead to ensure additional resources will be in place on matchdays.
You will see officers at key locations in town and city centres across the county, and across our county’s roads.
Share your views to help keep Essex safe
We’re supporting Essex County Council in asking residents, workers and students to take part in the Community Safety Survey 2026.
Your feedback helps us, alongside councils, the fire service and other partners, understand the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour across Essex. It means we can focus our work where it matters most and keep improving how we protect our communities.
You can complete the survey for any area in Essex – whether you live, work or study there and you can even fill it in more than once to share views on different places.
Your responses will be used to shape local safety plans for the year ahead. Any information you provide is kept secure and only used for this purpose.
 From arrest to rescue: Marine Unit in action
It was a busy weekend for our Marine Unit as officers who were out and about focused on reducing anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe along the coastline.
On Sunday 14 June, we were deployed to Bradwell Waterside to help search for a man wanted for assault. He was quickly located and arrested by officers from our Maldon Local Policing Team. Daniel Nash, 35, of Halstead Road, Colchester, has since been charged and was due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
We were also called to help a boat that had broken down near Mersea Island. Working with the Coastguard, we made sure the two people on board, and their dog, were safe before towing them back to Bradwell Marina.
Our Marine Unit will continue patrolling Essex waters throughout the summer, offering advice, stepping in when needed and helping everyone stay safe on the water.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Let’s Talk events are informal drop‑in sessions where you can chat with local police officers about what matters to you. Whether it's neighbourhood concerns, local priorities or questions about policing in your area.
There’s no need to book and no pressure to stay, you can just stop by for a quick conversation.
To find a Let’s Talk event happening near you, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
It’s easy to leave the shed or garage door open while gardening or popping indoors for a moment, but this can give thieves exactly the chance they’re looking for.
An unlocked outbuilding can be accessed in seconds, and items like bikes, tools and equipment are common targets.
Even if you’re only stepping away briefly, close and lock the door. Treat your shed or garage the same way you would your front door: if you’re not right there, keep it locked.
Be fraud smart
Watch out for texts that say they’re from your bank claiming your £1,500 credit card application has been approved, especially if you didn’t apply for one.
These messages often ask you to call a number. If you do, you’ll likely speak to a scammer trying to get your personal or financial details.
If you receive a suspicious text, report it by forwarding the message to 7726.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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