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Latest news from Roger Hirst PFCC - 19 May 2023

Driving down knife crime in Essex

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This week we saw a large number of specific operations being carried out across the county, as part of Operation Sceptre Week. 

This included the use of knife arches and more sophisticated ‘Open Gate’ devices, both of which detect weapons. The force now has use of a number of Open Gate systems, which are easily transportable and can be quickly deployed anywhere in the county.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, said:

“Operation Sceptre is about tackling knife crime on our streets, seizing weapons and disrupting criminal activity. It is also, crucially, about education and awareness. It is about helping young people understand the dangers of carrying a knife and helping parents to spot the signs their child may be at risk.

“Every knife we seize could mean a life saved, every child we speak to spreads the message that it’s safer not to carry a knife. We know our children and communities in Essex are concerned about knife crime and the more education and enforcement that we can do the more we will reduce knife crime and the devastation it has on young people and families.”

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News for you

Roger Hirst signing Vision Zero pledge

PFCC signs Vision Zero pledge to support the elimination of deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads

Road users in Essex are being urged to pledge their support in helping to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads.

The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is calling for individuals, schools, businesses and organisations across the county to sign the Vision Zero pledge - promising to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, whenever and however they use the roads.

Roger Hirst said: “Road crime, including speeding, drink or drug driving and using your mobile phone at the wheel, kills more people in this county than all other crimes put together.

“These deaths and the devastating impact they have on families and communities across our county are preventable.”

He added: “It is vital we support this campaign and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to deliver Vision Zero. In our Police and Crime Plan for Essex, improving safety on our roads is a key priority with the objectives of continuing to improve road safety, promote safer driving behaviours and robustly targeting those who cause the most harm on our roads.

“Small changes can make a real difference. By working together to make sure our friends and family are aware of the risks, we are all doing our very best to keep our roads safe.”

Show your commitment and sign the pledge below. 

Sign Here

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Specials Attestations

One of the highlights of Roger Hirst’s role is attending Special Constable Attestations, the latest of which took place on the 15th of May 2023.

Essex has around 300 Specials dedicating their time to keeping you safe and catching criminals. On Monday night, 6 new Specials who having completed their training attested to serve and protect our communities.

Roger said: “With the second largest Special Constabulary in the country, it is great to see members of our community volunteering their time and working together to get crime down in our county. Our Special Constable colleagues make a unique contribution to policing and bring a range of different skills and experience to the role. On behalf of the public of Essex, I thank them for the commitment they have made to Essex Police and wish them every success in their future policing endeavours. ”

Essex Police are always looking for more volunteers to join the Special Constabulary, if you are interested you can find out more information below. 

More Information

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