Meet PC Daniel Palmer, Colchester's newest police officer.

PC Palmer is one of 70 new officers who have just completed their initial training with Essex Police.

After completing their training, the new police officers are now raring to join policing teams across Essex and start helping to keep their local communities safe from harm.

But first, they marked the occasion at a passing out parade led by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, with guests including Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Essex High Sheriff Simon Brice, chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce Denise Rossiter and family and friends.

For PC Palmer becoming a police officer is a childhood dream having already served as a special constable. 

“I like stepping into the unknown and helping people, that’s what I thrive on,” said Daniel, who has been looking forward to joining the team in Colchester.

“Policing has been something I’ve wanted to do since I was five.

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“I like a challenge and I don’t like waking up and doing the same thing. I like stepping into the unknown and helping people, that’s what I thrive on.

“Friday, my passing out parade was one of the best days of my life. I’ve been waiting for 19 years.

“The training I’ve received has given me a view on what true policing is and the level of service I’m going to be providing. I absolutely love helping people.

“I joined the volunteer police cadets when I was 17 and from there, I applied to become a Special Constable. Then I applied to join the regulars.

“I suffer severely with dyslexia, I look at things from a completely different angle. Essex Police have supported me all the way.

"I’ve had adjustments put in place to help with exams and coursework, such as being given a laptop and my own working space to do my work.”

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: “Essex Police continues to grow, and it is a pleasure to see these new recruits joining. 

“Working alongside national government we have significantly increased the investment in policing over the last six years and, by March 2023, the total size of the force will be 3,755 – a growth of 900 officers since 2016.

“The arrival of these officers is a step towards achieving the key priorities set out in our Police and Crime Plan 2021-24. 

“In my role, as your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that Essex Police has the support, resources, systems and processes in place to protect our communities and make Essex a safer place to live, work and travel.

“I am hugely proud of them all for stepping forward to do such an important job and wish them all the very best of luck in their future career.”