THE chief constable of Essex Police has said personal reasons are behind his shock retirement from the force.

James Hore

THE chief constable of Essex Police has said personal reasons are behind his shock retirement from the force.

Chief Constable Roger Baker announced his decision yesterday , four years after he took on the high-profile role.

Mr Baker, whose contract had been due to run until next year, said he believed the force would still achieve his stated aim of becoming the best in the country.

When he joined Essex Police in 2005, he made headlines by branding criminals stupid, saying they would not be wanted on a pub-quiz team and warned “if you are planning on committing crime in Essex, bring a toothbrush because you won't be going home”.

He also pledged to make 600 arrests in the county within his first week.

Mr Baker, who leaves his job in July, said yesterday: “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 he joined he pledged to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, reduce the fear of crime, catch more criminals, and put more police officers on the streets.

He continued: “We have responded to what the public have asked of us by increasing the number of officers, PCSOs and specials on the frontline, 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.”

Robert Chambers, chairman of Essex Police Authority, 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.”