Tendring: Meet the District Commander, Chief Inspector Ella Latham

Chief Inspector Ella Latham says her top priorities are to reduce anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence in all its forms, particularly against women and girls.
Here she explains how she and her officers are working with local partner agencies and listening to the concerns of communities across the Tendring district.
Chief Inspector Latham says Tendring is such a diverse district, with coastal communities, an international port at Harwich and a large rural area, which it is a privilege to police.
With her strong background in community, response and public order policing, she says she has a broad understanding of the policing opportunities and challenges the district faces.
Her top priorities are to reduce anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence in all its forms, particularly against women and girls.
But she wants residents and visitors to tell Essex Police about local concerns and issues so we can target our operational activity and work with partner agencies to keep our communities safe.
“We’ve listened to your concerns about anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, drug and alcohol abuse, speeding and motorbikes being ridden illegally,” says Chief Inspector Latham.
“We also work closely with partner agencies to improve street lighting and CCTV coverage while mounting high-visibility patrols in vulnerable areas.
“I know our rural communities feel particularly vulnerable. Officers are tackling hot spots with dedicated patrols and targeted operations while responding to community concerns.
“With support from our partners, we are disrupting this behaviour and helping to divert people from offending.”
Another key issue is addressing the fear and perception of crime.
Tendring is a safe place to live, work and visit. In the year to 31 October 2023, anti-social behaviour decreased by 44.2%, with 978 fewer incidents recorded than the previous 12 months. And crime fell 12.7%, or 12,591 offences, in the same period.
But Chief Inspector Latham acknowledges there is always more which can be done to tackle criminal activity.
“It’s vital we protect women and girls from violence,” she says.
“Our investigation teams focus on supporting victims, achieving the best outcome for them and bringing offenders to justice.
“Lowering the fear of knife crime, as well as the number of crimes involving knives, is also key to reducing violence. There is no excuse for carrying knifes.
“We work closely with schools to educate young people about the dangers because, often, a knife is used against the person carrying it. If officers suspect someone is carrying a knife, they will stop and search them.”
Chief Inspector Latham says she and her officers are part of the community and need your help to keep it safe.
“Keep in contact with us, come to our engagement events and please tell us if you have any local concerns or have any information about a crime, criminal activity or anti-social behaviour,” she says.
You can report crimes, anti-social behaviour and information about criminal activity to us online at www.essex.police.uk/ro or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator on weekdays between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.
You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111. If it's a crime in progress, always ring 999.
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