Roger Hirst is the current Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex. Under his guidance Essex Police has expanded by over 900 officers, and focused increasingly on preventing crime and supporting victims. Crime is now being reduced. The Fire & Rescue Service has completed its cultural change programme and is investing in fire protection and On-Call recruitment so that it can do more to keep our county safe.

Roger was a Cabinet Member for Essex County Council, and Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, until he stood down to take on the role of Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner. He has over thirty years experience as a leading financial analyst in the City, having run the European investment research divisions of major UK, European and US international financial institutions.

Roger says: 

"In the last eight years we have increased the number of police in Essex, established new rural and town centre teams and are back working with children in schools. Murder and burglary have been halved, and anti-social behaviour is down by two-thirds. We have started to reduce the level of domestic abuse, and our programme to reduce drug-related violence is working, with the number of knife injuries down by a quarter. Police and Fire & Rescue are working together to prevent harm and keep people safe. I believe my knowledge and experience has enabled me to help them prioritise and manage the demands on their resources, and led to more effective and efficient services in Essex. 

For me, safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which we build success and prosperity.

Good policing and a strong fire & rescue service means our residents feel secure and safe in their homes and on Essex streets."