Braintree and Uttlesford police chief speaks on priorities

Chief Insp Martin Richards, who is the district commander for the Braintree and Uttlesford districts, has spoken out on his “policing priorities”.

Mr Richards says working with other bodies and communities to tackle such issues is key to ensuring Braintree and Uttlesford remain safe places to live and work.

“I have worked in the Braintree and Uttlesford districts for large parts of my policing career and feel a real connection to the communities here,” he said.

“We are fortunate people tell us when things are not right and they also report criminal activity and anti-social behaviour to us.

“This enables us to work with them to find solutions. And we get huge support from local councils and other partner agencies, who understand our policing priorities and are willing to be part of these solutions.”

With a background firmly rooted in community policing, Mr Richards worked his way up through the ranks after joining Essex Police in 2006.

He also has wide experience of public order policing and as a force firearms commander.

Braintree & Uttlesford District Commander, Chief Inspector Martin Richards, and a colleague on patrol in Halstead (Image: Essex Police)

After listening to concerns, he has identified three main policing priorities - to reduce violence, especially against women and girls, cut anti-social behaviour and to improve road safety.

Incidents of domestic abuse fell across both districts in the 12 months to March 2023 – by 9.2 per cent in Braintree and by 9.5 per cent in Uttlesford – but Mr Richards says his officers will continue to work "tirelessly" to reduce incidents even further.

“Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable”, he said.

“One victim is one victim too many.

“My officers respond to all reports of violence involving women and girls, focusing their investigations on bringing offenders to justice, while causing the least possible intrusion to victims.

“They also work with taxi and private hire firms, hotels and other businesses to teach them what the signs of domestic abuse look like and how to support victims.”

Ensuring town centres feel safe for people who are shopping, working and socialising is a particular focus and Mr Richards says high-visibility patrols will act as a deterrent to violence.

Braintree & Uttlesford District Commander, Chief Inspector Martin Richards, on patrol in Saffron Walden (Image: Essex Police)

“Braintree town centre is an area of concern, but we have put in extra patrols until 2-3am every day which means we can react to trouble immediately,” he said.

“But I recognise both districts are predominantly rural and I know many of our communities feel quite isolated, so tackling the blight of anti-social behaviour is another priority."

Anti-social behaviour fell by around a third in both districts in the 12 months to March 2023.

Mr Richards said: “Crucially, we want to divert vulnerable people from offending by offering them options, such as housing and substance misuse programmes, while ensuring swift and robust action is taken against those intent on causing problems.

“We also work closely with district council licensing officers and licensees to ensure they are responsible about serving alcohol.”

Braintree & Uttlesford District Commander, Chief Inspector Martin Richards, on patrol in Witham (Image: Essex Police)

Nuisance neighbours are another area where close co-operation with councils can provide positive solutions.

Officers have been making staff aware of the powers they have available to them to deal with anti-social tenants and neighbours if police involvement is not required.

Mr Richards said: “While we want to solve the issues, we don’t want to criminalise people unnecessarily.

“Restorative justice is one solution. Some people don’t realise their behaviour is anti-social and don’t understand they are causing harm until it is pointed out to them. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.”

Another major concern is speeding, not only on the A12 and the A120 but on A-roads and minor roads in rural areas.

Officers work with roads policing, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership and Community Speed Watch groups to reduce dangerous speeds.

An Essex Police officer and police community support officer greet members of the public in Great Dunmow (Image: Essex Police)

“When we speak to parish and town councils, their biggest concern is the number of people speeding in their area,” said Mr Richards.

“It’s about slowing people down so speed enforcement is at the heart of this work but it’s not always about issuing a fixed penalty notice.

“We conduct regular operations to target offending and safety issues on roads and officers always seek to educate motorists about the consequences of bad driving, which can be fatal.”

But he said officers “can’t do it without the help of residents and business people”.

“We want you to tell us what the problems are and where, so we can focus our patrols and other operational activity in the right place at the right time,” said Mr Richards.

“So, if you have any information about a crime, criminal activity or anti-social behaviour, please tell us.”