A former Southend detective has been appointed new head of criminal investigations for Essex Police.

As head of Essex CID, Det Chief Supt Wil Kennedy will be in charge of counter-terrorism, covert operations, plus pursuing organised criminal gangs and murderers.

The 45-year-old who has lived in the Southend area for 20 years, has served 26 years with the Essex force.

Formerly the operations manager at Southend and director of intelligence, Mr Kennedy has worked in uniform and in CID at every rank.

He has also served in Basildon, Rayleigh and the drugs squad.

Det Chief Supt Kennedy said: "I started my detective career in Southend. My first post as a detective constable was in the early 1980s.

"Southend has always been a vibrant and busy town. For a detective it was an excellent town to learn the ropes. Serious crimes happen everywhere.

"Southend had its share but the good thing about investigations in the town was that the public were always ready to help.

He added: "I am extremely proud to be heading up crime division. Serving Essex Police runs in the family - my father, Wilf, was a village bobby for 30 years."

Published Tuesday August 31, 2004

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