Chief Constable of Essex visits Harlow to launch new neighbourhood policing teams
Crime / Wed 4th Jun 2025 at 02:32pm
THE CHIEF Constable of Essex, BJ Harrington came to Harlow on Tuesday, to launch the new Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
The neighbourhood teams in Essex are part of the national rollout of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – delivering on Labour’s manifesto pledge to restore community-focused policing.
Essex Police has received nearly £4.5 million of funding this year to support the delivery of these plans, with 74 additional officers now in neighbourhood teams across the county.
We spoke to Mr Harrington in the Market Square about the new scheme, crime statistics in Harlow and the constant battle for funding.
Along with BJ Harrington and Roger Hirst, Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, Harlow MP Chris Vince joined the neighbourhood team on a walkabout of the high street.
They were also joined by the portfolio holder for public protection, cllr Joel Charles.
As well as Chief Inspector Jenna Mornington-French and a new of other neighbourhood officers.
Afterwards, we spoke to Harlow MP Chris Vince on the visit and the funding of the police by the Labour government.
AB
2025-06-04 14:57:18
It's marvellous to see Neighbourhood policing return. Before austerity Harlow had a much larger, and very successful Community Policing Team. It is heavily ironic to see the members of the same party responsible for the decimation of our public services have 'front' to appear in publicity celebrating the return of services that are a shadow of what they wrecked. Well done CC Harrington for maintaining the service your team's deliver in the face of of over a decade of financial deprivation.
Cliff Moore
2025-06-04 14:57:59
So that is why the police car was on the no vehicle pavement in one of the narrowest parts of the entrance to the Town Centre! Well, the community police action could have started right away removing said car from this obstructive place that has plenty of notices about this being an offence.
Phil
2025-06-04 15:51:27
Roger Hirst couldn't even be bothered to run a comb through his hair before the photo op. Absolute state of it, sums up the effort of the man in all aspects.
Seamus
2025-06-04 16:16:31
I did have a dry smile on Chris one term vince's video where at 2:31 minutes into the video, an electric bike went shooting at some speed behind them but was noticed. It is good to get some extra neighbourhood officers but little was disclosed about their use. I would have liked to see the Chief Constable asked about the constant rumours of the fron't desk being closed and the police station being moved from the town centre. Clarity on that might help.
Brian
2025-06-04 17:05:32
Best of luck to the police and boy they need it in this town,but they have a thankless job and on the whole do pretty well.
gary roberts
2025-06-04 19:16:17
The "you know" MP appears not to know sadly about criminal activity in this town and the comment made about falling crime rates by the chief constable is of concern. And as he recognised losing officers is high in his regrettable actions list. I suspect that neighbourhood policing as delivered over a decade ago in Potter Street will not return anytime soon and the lack of even one officer to walk my area and be a recognised presence is a continuing disappointment. And finally walking the dilapidated town centre by the MP should be a clear indication that rhetoric is not wanted now. Action is wanted and was needed last July!
David Forman
2025-06-04 19:23:46
I was intrigued by the Chief Constable saying at 2mins 45secs: "Not every crime requires a criminal justice outcome." A few examples needed for that statement Mr Harrington. However, I agreed with his follow-up statement that "Essex Police is one most poorly funded forces in the country".
David Forman
2025-06-04 19:31:33
Correction to earlier comment: "Essex Police is one of the most poorly funded forces in the country".
David Forman
2025-06-04 19:36:31
For the benefit of Gary Roberts here is some evidence to back up his point about foot patrols from the College of Policing: "Evidence has shown that effective community engagement, targeted foot patrols and collaborative problem solving can significantly increase public confidence in policing activity." See College of Policing at https://www.college.police.uk/app/engagement-and-communication/engagement
Stuart
2025-06-05 06:55:23
Cliff - the car was there to make people pass through a knife arch. There was an article about that on here earlier in the week.
Simon
2025-06-05 12:23:46
Great news, welcome this. I have no issues with clothing or state of hair BTW. It doesn't define people or how good they are at thier jobs.
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