Chief Inspector’s Update

By Southend District Commander Chief Inspector Jo Collins.

Even though it doesn’t feel like it on some days summer is now with us and the operation to keep Southend safe throughout the summer is now underway. Some of you may know this as Operation Union where officers work alongside Southend City Council, British Transport Police, the c2c railway and seafront businesses to help residents and visitors enjoy the sunshine in one of the region’s tourist hotspots.

People can expect to see officers out on patrol in the busiest areas of Southend seafront and Old Leigh to provide a visible deterrent to anyone who misbehaves and diffuse any potential flashpoints.

“If you need help, our officers will be out on patrol and there to assist you. If you spot something that concerns you, look out for our bright yellow jackets and come and tell us. You can also contact us online or call 999 in an emergency.”

On Friday 17 May, our Roads Policing Unit led the way in a local road safety operation in support of Vision Zero to identify offenders & to prevent and reduce offences on the city’s roads.

Over a busy day, they worked with partners to enforce the law and educate drivers, with 67 vehicles stopped and two drivers arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

One driver was in charge of a 3.5-ton vehicle with trailer attached and the second driver was stopped by after driving the wrong way in Lucy Road’s one way system. The driver was tested for drugs at the roadside due to the strong smell of cannabis from inside the vehicle.

Vision Zero days focus on the offences known as the Fatal Four – those offences that are known to contribute to serious and fatal collisions. The policing activity also saw: 28 seatbelt tickets issued. 7 mobile phone tickets issued. 1 driver reported for not being in proper control. 2 speed offences. 1 no insurance offence. 2 prohibitions for tinted windows (both drivers removed tints). 1 driving licence offence.

Throughout the day 14 eye-sight tests were conducted, and all drivers passed the required standard: no enforcement required.

Last year, 41 people died on Essex’s roads and Vision Zero is our ambition to have no road deaths by 2040 or sooner.

In addition to our activity on Vision Zero you can help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership’s Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous, and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police. Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.

In addition to the response and community policing teams at Southend we are also supported by colleagues from our dog section and I know lots of people love animals.

Congratulations go to PC Andy Blunt who alongside PD Bruce represented Essex Police’s Dog Unit at the National Police Dog Trials in Scotland last month.

Starting Monday 20 May, Bruce and his handler took part in the four-day event in Tulliallan, Scotland, competing in a series of trials including agility, searching and obedience.

The pair finished in fifth place, beating handlers and their dogs representing 21 forces from across the UK.

They scored a fantastic 738 points out of an available 1,000 points – beating their 7th place finish in 2023.

It’s believed this may be the highest score for any Essex Police pairing in the 62 years the competition has been running. Well done and I’m sure you will see PD Bruce on the streets of Westcliff and Southend soon.

 

Monday 8th July 11am – 12pm Let’s Talk Londis/Byfords

 

Tuesday 9th July 3pm – 3.30pm Street Meet Fairway School

 

Saturday 13th July 11am – 4pm School Fete Edwards Hall School, Eastwood

 

Sunday 14th July 8am – 6pm Let’s Talk Dog show, Chalkwell Park

 

Saturday 27th July 11am – 12pm Let’s Talk Belfairs Woodland Centre.

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