Essex has promoted Andy Prophet to fill its Deputy Chief Constable vacancy and its Police and Crime Commissioner has added cyber security to the list of responsibilites.

Essex Police has confirmed Andy Prophet is stepping up to be the next Deputy Chief Constable.

The current ACC and national lead on anti-social behaviour, street homelessness and e-scooters has been promoted following the departure of Pippa Mills who will be taking up her post as Chief Constable of West Mercia.

He will start the new role next month which currently has responsibility for strategic change in estates and IT as well as professional standards.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said he is “personally and professionally pleased” by the appointment.

Mr Prophet has served Essex for the entirety of his 25-year-career and started by spending six years on the beat as a Police Constable.

He has since served as Local Policing Commander for the south of the county, and for west Essex. During his time in the west of the county, he forged strong links with three bordering Metropolitan Police Service boroughs.

In 2017 he was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing and Public Protection.

CC Harrington said: “He has dedicated his working life to protecting and serving the people of Essex. His leadership and his commitment to victims of crime, to colleagues at Essex Police and to the people of our county is outstanding. He will do a brilliant job.”

The force has also gained extra leverage on decisions about resources and priorities in the fight against cyber crime.

The force’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, has joined the  Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC) as its newest board member.

The centre supports SMEs, supply chain businesses and third sector organisations in the East of England against online attacks. 

Working with local universities and regional forces, it provides access to the information on emerging cyber threats, criminal trends and best practice.

He is already the national Police and Crime Commissioner lead for finance.

Detective Superintendent and ECRC Director Paul Lopez, said: “Roger is a great asset to the centre’s board. His wealth of knowledge and experience both in the private sector as well as his current role will help us to focus, prioritise and manage our business strategy effectively and efficiently.

“His track record with the Essex Police force is testament to his excellent leadership skills and we’re really looking forward to working closely with him as we push forward in strengthening the foundations of the ECRC.”