THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has announced his retirement after almost four years in the position.Roger Baker has decided to step down for personal reasons after 32 years in the police force. He called being offered the position of Chief Constable

THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has announced his retirement after almost four years in the position.

Roger Baker has decided to step down for personal reasons after 32 years in the police force. He called being offered the position of Chief Constable with Essex Police "the proudest moment of my policing career".

Mr Baker said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and am glad to have led a team responsible for so many achievements - all of which have put the public first."

When Mr Baker first joined the force he made a number of promises all of which have been achieved. These were to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, reduce the fear of crime, catch more criminals and put more police officers on the streets.

Mr Baker added: "We have responded to what the public have asked of us by increasing the number of officers, PCSOs and specials on the front line, culminating in Operation Apex - the ambition for policing in Essex, which continues to place even more police officers on the streets for the benefit of the communities we serve.

"I believe all of the changes have made a real difference to the service we provide to the public. We now attend all crime, have implemented neighbourhood policing, extended the opening hours at police stations, reintroduced motorbike patrols and the mounted unit.

"My main aim with the Police Authority was to make Essex the best performing force in the country, and I believe that by continuing to do business differently, this will be achieved.

Chairman of the Police Authority, Robert Chambers said: "I have enjoyed working in partnership with Mr Baker, for the good of the people of Essex and together we have implemented changes that have benefited both the force and the public. We will continue to build on our successes such as Operation Apex, which we believe will give the public the service they deserve."

Mr Baker's last day with Essex Police will be July 5, 2009.