PFCC and Chair of Violence and Vulnerability Partnership awarded MBE as he sets out his priorities for 2026

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honour’s List.

The Commissioner received this honour for services to Policing and to Community Safety.

Mr Hirst, MBE said: “It’s an enormous privilege to receive this MBE in recognition of the work the PFCC has carried out in collaboration with our partners, to increase community safety, reduce crime and save lives in Essex.

“We have always advocated a collaborative approach to emergency services and public safety, focusing on bringing together police, fire, rescue, health, local authority and other partners to improve outcomes and drive efficiencies. In my view this award is as much for them as for me.”

Mr Hirst also set out his priorities for the coming year – with a renewed focus on reducing drug and knife crime being one of the main objectives. He specifically referenced the work of the Violence and Vulnerability Unit and the success the Unit is having, stating:

“We also know we must tackle the causes of knife crime. That means educating young people, supporting families, and working closely with schools, colleges and universities. We are funding partners such as the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s ReRoute team, which supports young people involved in knife-related offending. We plan to expand the number of education officers delivering knife crime sessions, and our knife surrender bins have removed thousands of knives from our streets — each one a win for community safety.

“These efforts are working. Since our Violence and Vulnerability Unit was established in 2019, over £9 million of investment has been brought into the county and during this time – with a concerted effort on prevention, early intervention and working with Essex Police on enforcement – we have seen a 24% reduction in Knife Crime, with hospitals reporting over 50% reduction in knife harm incidents.”