CHIEF Constable of Essex Police has been re-appointed for a further three years after making a “significant difference for the people of Essex”.

Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, has re-appointed Ben-Julian (BJ) Harrington as the chief constable of Essex until October 2026.

Mr Harrington took up the role in October 2018 on a five-year contract which is due to expire in October 2023.

The three-year extension will take effect from October 4, 2023.

He has a long-standing career of more than 30 years in policing with a proven operational and strategic background in both the Metropolitan Police Service and more recently Essex Police.

Ben-Julian Harrington, chief constable, said it is a privilege to continue in his role.

He said: “It is a huge privilege to lead and work with so many brave, professional and dedicated officers, police staff, and volunteers.

“At Essex Police our focus is simple we catch criminals, we protect people, and we strive to keep our communities safe working with them and all of the public services in Essex.

“I am committed to preventing crime and making Essex an even better place, even safer place.

“I will continue to lead the force to the best of my ability and work with the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, to make that happen.”

Mr Harrington’s reported salary in 2020/21 was £173,475, with benefits and allowances taking it up to £193,074.

Over the time as chief constable in the past five years, he has achieved many things including leading the force through Operation Melrose.

Operation Melrose was an investigation by Essex Police into the deaths of 39 people in a lorry container in Grays: one of the largest homicide investigations in British policing history.

Mr Harrington has also lead Operation hazel, the county’s response to the Just Stop Oil protests, as well as leading the force to be judged “outstanding” by HMICFRS in its Crime Data Integrity Inspection in October 2019.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner said BJ has made a significant difference for the people of Essex.

He said: “The chief constable has made a significant difference for the people of Essex.

“Under his leadership Essex Police has reduced burglary, theft, and anti-social behaviour, improved public confidence, and invested in more visible neighbourhood policing.

“The chief constable has led the force as it has faced and overcome a number of major challenges, including the impact of Covid-19 and the tragic death of 39 people in a container in Grays.

“As Essex Police has grown, to become the largest it has ever been in its 182-year history, the chief constable has been able to provide a stronger, more visible policing presence in communities.

“He has introduced new teams to tackle the priorities within the Police and Crime Plan, including Town Centre Teams, the Business Crime Team, Rural Crime Team, and Domestic Abuse Problem Solving Teams.

“The new Serious Violence Unit has been effective in tackling the organised criminals and county lines that fuel drug driven violence in our communities.

“Under his leadership, it has worked effectively with the Violence and Vulnerability Unit to protect young people and prevent them from being exploited by drug gangs.”