Michael James Chandler

Detective Constable

Before I joined Essex Police, I was working for Greater Manchester Police in a busy city division, covering the south Manchester area.

I transferred to Essex partly for family reasons. I also wanted a better quality of life, and a more pleasant environment for the kids – to get away from city life, stress and pollution.

It’s different working here for a number of reasons. For a start, the crime rate’s lower, and it’s easier to get to know your colleagues. I also get more time to complete investigations thoroughly.

In the future, I can see myself moving into a specialist department, and concentrating on obtaining promotion.

Joe Wrigley

Deputy Head of Learning and Development

I worked for Essex Police originally, before moving to another force. However, after a few years, I decided to return – partly because I still lived in the area, partly because I really missed my old colleagues and the Essex Police culture.

I live in North-West Essex, and I love the countryside.
I think it’s one of the most attractive counties in the UK, and have no desire to move anywhere else at the moment.

Professionally, I’m focused on making the Essex Police College a jewel in the Essex Police crown – something that other forces will aspire to emulate.

The people working in the college want to give the force the best possible training - and I think a lot of hard work has already been done to make this happen.

Overall, I’d say that Essex is a vibrant and diverse county – and provides plenty of opportunity for people who have the determination, creativity and enthusiasm to succeed.

Katherine Major

AFO Constable at Stansted Airport

I used to work for Kent Police, but transferred to Essex because it gave me the opportunity to specialise.  I soon noticed the difference – the training’s better, and I feel I’m treated more like a professional and an individual.

The team I work with are very supportive, and I enjoy the variety that my work offers. I also like living in Essex – there’s a good quality of life, and it’s accessible to a lot of places.

In the future, I want to carry on specialising, and hope to develop my skills here. I‘m keen to work on the ARV, and might eventually move into training.