12 Oct 2026
The views of rural communities across Essex are being represented at the new Essex Police Rural Independent Advisory Group.
Fourteen people from various rural backgrounds, including farmers, business organisations, landowners and the National Farmers’ Union, agreed terms of reference for the new IAG at their first meeting on 30 September.
It is thought to be the first IAG in the country to focus on crimes which specifically affect farmers and rural communities, such as theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery, hare coursing and poaching, livestock worrying, offences targeting stables and large-scale fly-tipping.
Superintendent Darren Deex says the aim is to make two-way communication between Essex Police and rural stakeholders stronger.
“The formation of the Rural Independent Advisory Group is an important step in strengthening our relationship with Essex’s rural communities,” he explains.
“Its members are a representative cross-section but independent of the police. They will act as critical friends, providing impartial advice, feedback and constructive challenge to help ensure the voices of rural residents and businesses are reflected in our policing decisions.
“The group will help us better understand the concerns, experiences and needs of the unique challenges faced by rural residents, businesses, farmers, landowners and other rural organisations across Essex.
“And members will be able to provide valuable insight into the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour in rural areas, where victims can often be left feeling vulnerable because of their geographical isolation.
“They will also support the development of our policing strategies and tactical operations, by helping us to identify emerging issues and developing crime trends while helping to shape practical solutions which improve our service and build public confidence.”
The Essex Police Rural IAG will hold quarterly meetings at ARU Writtle College with the next in mid-January, where a chair, vice-chair and administrative assistant will be appointed from the membership.
It was born out of a meeting in July between our then Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, local farmers and the National Farmers’ Union, with the aim of providing a direct line of communication between rural communities and Essex Police.
