Essex Police could have their first female Police Chief Constable
Rachel Nolan has been announced as the preferred candidate
Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, has named Rachel Nolan as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Essex Police, pending a confirmation hearing by the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.
Rachel Nolan, who began her career with Essex Police as a constable in 1998, has progressed through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Constable over her 27-year tenure.
Her wide-ranging operational and leadership experience spans both local and national levels.
The rigorous appointment process involved an independent panel including Mr Hirst, Kathryn Stone, HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services, Nicole Wood, Chief Executive of Essex County Council, and Pippa Brent-Isherwood, Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Mr Hirst expressed his confidence in Nolan, stating:
"I am delighted to announce Rachel Nolan as my preferred candidate to become the next Chief Constable of Essex Police. Rachel was the outstanding candidate in the selection process and brings extensive operational and leadership experience, having served at every rank within Essex Police and has worked at a national level. She brings a clear vision for the future of policing in Essex, and a detailed knowledge of how to deliver it.
Rachel will be stepping up at a time when there are very real challenges for policing both nationally and in Essex. Rachel has clearly demonstrated an understanding of our communities and the need to focus on prevention and getting crime down."
He also extended gratitude towards the outgoing Chief Constable BJ Harrington for his accomplishments over the past eight years and the progress made in Essex Police.
Mrs Nolan expressed her pride in the appointment process:
"I am thrilled and deeply proud to be selected as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable. Having served at every rank within Essex Police, it is an honour to have this opportunity to lead our force and build upon the great work of our current Chief Constable, BJ Harrington."
She vowed to focus on prevention, protection, and professionalism while listening to community needs to ensure high-quality policing.
The date for the Police, Fire and Crime Panel confirmation hearing will be announced soon.