Ben-Julian Harrington

Ben-Julian Harrington (born 26 September 1968) is a British former police officer who served as the Chief Constable of Essex Police from October 2018 to July 2026. He started his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990, where he worked in Chingford and Walthamstow. Before becoming chief constable, Harrington was the temporary deputy chief constable of Essex Police.

Early life Growing up in North London, Harrington attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield.

Having left school, Harrington worked for a bank, before working for HM Customs and Excise.

Harrington was also a reserve soldier with the 10th Battalion Parachute Regiment.

On 4 October 2018, Harrington became chief constable.

Alongside his responsibilities with Essex Police, Harrington is also the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC) and leads the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP).

On 1 May 2026, Harrington announced that he would retire from Essex Police, with his retirement taking effect on 23 July 2026.

Personal life Harrington is married to a former police officer from the Metropolitan Police and has two teenage daughters.

Honours

Distinguished Service

2022