New Chair: Essex Federation Is In A Strong Position

3 June 2025

Introducing New Essex Police Federation Chair Steve Martin.

Steve, who has been a police officer in Essex since 2001 and spent the last 17 years in armed response, became Chair at the beginning of June.

Steve said: “The Essex Branch is in a strong and healthy position and I am proud to be part of the team that have been elected to continue representing and supporting our Federated rank colleagues.”

He became involved with the Federation in 2017 and has served as Vice-Chair for the past three years.

“I have represented officers and the Essex Branch at numerous local and national meetings, at both a strategic and tactical level. I am an influential, constructive presence at these meetings – advocating for our members, challenging decisions when necessary and always speaking up to ensure officers’ voices are heard,” he said.

His priorities as Chair are both national and local. UK-wide, Steve is passionate about the Federation’s push for fairer pay, saying: “The Federation nationally have always been seeking to try and improve pay and conditions for officers.

“But I think we’re at the point now where we really need to push the Government and the forces to recognise the pay cuts that officers have had. We’ve got to rectify that.

“We’re never going to bridge the 21% gap unless we actually make some inroads into that and start paying officers what they’re worth.”

And locally, Steve wants to build on the strength of the existing Federation team.

He has told members not to hesitate if they need the Federation. He said: “If you’ve got a problem, speak to us. We probably know the answer or we know the right people that can assist. Trust the work that we’re doing. Yes, there’s been some problems nationally… but we’ve got to look forward and we’ve got to build a Federation for future officers.”

And, as he settles into his new role, Steve has welcomed feedback from members.

“I’m not looking to make massive changes to the Federation in the first few months of my chairship,” Steve said.

“But if there’s anything people think I can improve on, I’m always open to that sort of feedback.”