Essex Chief Constable BJ Harrington announces retirement
Chief Constable BJ Harrington has announced he will retire from Essex Police, bringing to an end a 36-year policing career that has included senior national leadership roles.
Mr Harrington joined the Metropolitan Police in 1990 and moved to Essex Police in 2017 on secondment as deputy chief constable. He was appointed chief constable the following year and has led the force since 2018.
Reflecting on his time in the role, he said being chief constable had been “so much more than a job”, describing the force as “my life and my family” over the past eight years.
He paid tribute to officers, staff and volunteers across the organisation, highlighting their commitment to protecting communities and supporting victims. He also thanked partners across emergency services, local government and the voluntary sector, as well as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.
Mr Harrington said he was proud of the progress made during his tenure, including efforts to reduce crime, improve outcomes for victims and invest in technology and innovation.
According to force data, crime in Essex has fallen by 1,314 offences over the past year, while the number of offences solved has increased by 3,164, a rise of 15 per cent. The force also reports improvements in outcomes across a range of offence types, including rape, domestic abuse, burglary and vehicle crime.
Alongside his role in Essex, Mr Harrington has played a prominent part in national policing. He currently chairs the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Operations Committee and has previously led nationally on public order and public safety policing, including coordinating the policing response to the widespread disorder seen in 2024.
His tenure has spanned a period of significant change in policing, including rising and increasingly complex demand, alongside ongoing pressures around workforce capacity and resources.
A process to appoint his successor will be led by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, with further details expected in due course.