Essex Police Dispatch - issue 104
Essex Police Weekly Update
This week: Essex top force in UK at bringing sex offenders to justice, Westcliff fire, national policing award, lightning strike rescue.
News 19 June to 25 June
Second man extradited to UK in Robert Powell murder investigation
A man wanted in connection with the murder of Robert Powell in Roydon in 2020 has appeared in court in the UK following his extradition from Morocco. Read more.
Pitsea: Member of the public praised for helping detain suspected drink driver
An officer and member of the public were injured while trying to detain a suspected drink driver near a McDonald's restaurant. Read more.
Essex Police top force in the country at bringing sex offenders to justice
Latest figures show our dedicated teams secured the highest conviction rate for sexual offences across the past 12 months. Read more.
Clacton: action to boost community safety
We’re working with Tendring Community Safety Partnership to improve safety in the town. Read more.
Colchester: Man jailed for 18 years after serious assaults
A man has been jailed for a total for 18 years after detectives were able to link him to two violent incidents in Colchester. Read more.
Wickford: Man charged in nuisance 999 call investigation
A man has been charged as part of an investigation into persistent and nuisance calls to the Essex Police force control room. Read more.
Colchester: Man found guilty of murdering 'loving and caring' man
Tributes have been paid to 22-year-old Bako Azad Sheikha, after a man has been found guilty of his murder in Colchester last year. Read more.
Man admits 40 charges as part of lorry deaths investigation
Today, an eleventh person has been convicted for his part on the operation which led to the deaths of the 39 men, women and children. Read more.
Basildon: Robberies fall by 30%
An operation to combat high-harm crime in Basildon has seen a 30% drop in street robberies and more than 80 arrests made. Read more.
Seven days to change your life
Do you want to keep people safe, protect victims and catch criminals? Then make this June the time that you change your life and help many others. Read more.
Colchester: Man sentenced to 14 year for sexual offences against children
A thorough investigation from our Child Abuse Investigation has resulted in a man being sentenced to 14 years in prison. Read more.
Colchester: Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of his 'best friend'
A man, who attempted to leave the country after murdering his ‘best friend’ has been sentenced to life in prison to serve a minimum of 24 years and 87 days. Read more.
British Women in Policing Award for officer
PC Gill Brettell is a runner-up in the British Women in Policing Awards 2023 category of Bravery. Read more.
Wickford: Two arrested after large cannabis cultivation uncovered
A substantial quantity of drugs were found after a warrant was executed at an industrial unit. Read more.
Dunmow: Ban for drug-drive moped rider
A moped rider found by patrolling police officers to be driving under the influence of drugs has been disqualified from driving for a year. Read more.
Essex Police couple rescue elderly neighbours and seven pets from house fire
PC Dave Bridge and Samantha Bridge of the Criminal Justice Unit entered the couple's burning bungalow in Corringham after it was struck by lightning. Read more.
Westcliff: Investigation into West Road fire
Investigators believe a fire at a shop in Westcliff was deliberately started and are appealing for information. Read more.
Vision zero across Essex in June: four days of action, 300 reported drivers
Vision Zero is our ambition to eliminate road deaths in the county by 2040 or sooner by tackling the offences that contribute to collisions. Read more.
Could you be our Extra Eyes? and help us eliminate poor and dangerous driving. Read more.
Colchester: Boy charged with robberies
A boy has been charged with two offences as part of our investigation into a number of robberies reported to us in Colchester. Read more.
Clacton: Four arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
Four people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in Clacton on Sunday, 18 June. Read more.
Southend: Arrest made over disappearance of Patricia Finnie
A man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Patricia Finnie. Read more.
News in brief
Braintree: Man admits 13 burglary offences. Read more.
Leigh: Two arrested after Rayleigh Road incident. Read more.
Tilbury: Three arrested following aggravated burglary. Read more.
Essex Police rated 'good' for vetting and counter corruption. Read more.
Thurrock: Teen arrested in connection with robbery. Read more.
Canvey: Man found guilty of fraud. Read more.
Officers make 11 arrests as they continue to keep you safe. Read more.
Feering: Woman seriously injured in collision. Read more.
Chigwell: Appeal following serious collision. Read more.
Ingatestone: Motorbike rider seriously injured in A12 collision. Read more.
Crime prevention advice
Street crime is often opportunistic
Don't leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant – thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds.
You can find more advice like this on our website.
Be fraud smart
Booking a holiday?
Help protect your holiday by checking if the company you're booking with is an ABTA travel member or offer ATOL protection.
Here's how to check: Search ABTA members | Search ATOL holders
Careers at Essex Police
Police Staff jobs
Business Services Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
EUC Field Operations Engineer £28,530 to £30,375
Executive Assistant - Estates Service £25,758 to £27,690
Operational Driver Training Instructor £28,530 to £33,348
Recruitment Assistant £23,100 to £25,353
Practice Nurse Team Leader £38,856 to £42,207
Geographical Facilities Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Specials Support Officer
Content, Platforms and Insight Manager £45,375 to £48,546
Establishment Officer £23,541 to £27,690
Space Planning Officer £28,530 to £30,375
Restorative Mediation Services Manager £45,375 to £48,546
Digital Forensic Specialist £36,177 to £38,856
Commissioning Officer £38,856 to £42,207
Detention Officers £21,135 to £23,406
Resolution Centre Investigator £28,299 to £32,754
Contact Handler (full time) £27,279 - £32,754
Contact Handler (part time) £16,103 per annum
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
Recruitment Events
Harlow Jobcentre - 27 June 10.30am to 1pm
Chelmsford Jobcentre - 28 June 9.30am to 1pm
Braintree Jobcentre Plus - 29 June 9.30am to 1pm
Basildon Jobcentre Plus - 30 June 9.30am to 2pm
Clacton Pride - Marine Parade West All day
Our Recruitment Team will be at a number of Jobs Fairs and Recruitment Events this week. Read more.
This week we remember
Leonard Wilfred Vernon
Leonard Vernon served with Essex County Constabulary from 6 November 1935. From Headquarters he was posted to Romford from 21 December 1935 and then Harold Wood from 20 November 1936. Subsequently Leonard moved back to Headquarters where he remained until leaving the service on 26 October 1941. The following day he joined the Fleet Air Arm. He died on Friday 26 June 1942 whilst serving as Leading Airman FX/88496 at H.M.S. Goshawk, Royal Navy.
Richard Beart Ball
Richard Ball served with Essex County Constabulary from 1 May 1935 having previously served in the army. After training Richard was posted to Chelmsford and subsequently saw service in the north of the county. On 9 February 1942 he joined the R.A.F. He went missing on 27 June 1945, whilst serving as Flight Sergeant 1320457 with 117 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Column 449 of the Singapore War Memorial in Singapore.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Obituaries
Peter McCormack
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Peter McCormack who retired as a Sergeant in 2017 and served at Basildon, Billericay, Pitsea, Headquarters, Colchester, Witham and Chelmsford.
He passed away on 9 June 2023 aged 62 years.
I am glad that historic sex offenders are being held to account for their crimes, no matter how long ago they were committed