“Stability” plea to force’s new chief Stephen Kavanagh

ESSEX Police Federation has called on the force’s new chief constable to bring “stability” to the force when he takes over at the top in May.

Mark Smith, federation chairman, called on Stephen Kavanagh (pictured) to bring “stability which will help productivity and help low morale” in the force.

Mr Kavanagh – a deputy assistant commissioner at the Met – is due to take over in May when Jim Barker-McCardle, the current chief constable, retires.

Having been chosen as the preferred candidate by Nick Alston, Essex police and crime commissioner (PCC), the appointment of Mr Kavanagh will go before the Police and Crime Panel on Thursday (February 21).

Mr Smith said he had been in contact with Mr Kavanagh since his appointment was announced and that the Federation looked forward to working with him.

“He seems a very good appointment,” added Mr Smith.

“Short term we have got to get some stability in the force. Officers need some stability. Officers need some work and life balance.

“There has been lots of moving around under “Blueprint” – how the force has been operating with hundreds of less police officers and staff.

“People do not know from one day to the next whether they are working a rest day. They don’t know what shift they are going to be working in a few days because they keep getting messed around because maybe resources are not in the right places.

“Officers have been moved five or six times from station to station. They need stability of their place of work, of duties, of time with their families.”

An officer with the Met since 1985, Mr Kavanagh said he felt “hugely privileged” to be selected for the role.

“I greatly look forward to working alongside the police and crime commissioner and everyone in the force to deliver our shared vision for policing and keeping our communities safe,” he said.

“I was born and bred in Essex, and I feel very proud to have been presented with this opportunity.”

Mr Alston said: “Stephen was brought up in Essex, and his father was an officer in Essex Police. He is enthusiastic about taking on the leadership of the force. He is also committed to working in partnership with everyone in the community to continue to keep Essex safe.”