Essex Police's Chief Constable announces retirement
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington is retiring following a 36-year long career in policing
Last updated 1st May 2026
Essex Police's Chief Constable has announced he's retiring.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has been with the force since 2017, when he started as Deputy Chief Constable.
He became Chief Constable in 2018.
His retirement brings his 36-year policing career to an end.
In a statement he said: “Being Chief Constable of Essex Police has been so much more than a job, for the last eight years this force has been my life and my family.
“The role of Chief Constable is an honour and privilege: leading the most committed, and brave officers who, every day, run towards danger, without second thought; leading the most dedicated police staff who go above and beyond every day without question; leading the volunteers who give up their own time for the greater good of our communities.
“In the last eight years we have achieved so much: preventing, reducing crime and solving more crime; helping victims; using technology and innovation; relentlessly pursuing the bad guys and locking them up; growing and reshaping our force to ensure we are fit for the challenges of now and the future; and, the single most important part of our oath, protecting and serving the people of Essex.
“I am so proud of all we have achieved and I’m so grateful to all in Essex Police, our fire and ambulance colleagues, our partners in local government and voluntary and community sectors and our PFCC Roger Hirst.
“But most of all I am grateful to you – the people of Essex. I came to this county having grown up in North London, but over the years Essex has secured the most special place in my heart.
“It’s a county that is vibrant, diverse and full of brilliant people – people who make it so unique. My thanks to all of the people of Essex for your support and I know you will continue to get behind Essex Police, thank you.”
A process to replace him is due to start soon.