73 new police officers will be patrolling Essex streets officially completing their 18-week training course.

The recruits celebrated their success by proudly taking part in the ‘pass out’ ceremony surrounded by our family and friends at Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford.

They were welcomed into the force by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst and Home Secretary Priti Patel.

After pledging their commitment to serve the residents of Essex, Mr Harrington thanked the officers for all of their hard work during their training.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “It’s an honour for me to welcome and congratulate another 73 new police constables into the Essex Police family.

“Their journey as police officers is just beginning and they have today sworn their oath to serve in front of their friends, family, police officer colleagues and honoured guests including in a first for the force, the Home Secretary.

“The passing out ceremony today is a celebration at the culmination of 18 weeks intensive training before they go out on patrol to serve our communities; helping people, keeping them safe and catching criminals.

“I am looking forward to hearing where their journeys take them.”

To find out more about starting your journey about becoming a police officer for Essex Police, visit: www.essex.police.uk/fitthebill