SIX months after the district’s top police officer was suspended from his position, the job remains unfilled.

Essex Police has confirmed for the first time that Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin was taken away from his role as district commander in November last year after he became the subject of an internal investigation.

The issue of whether he will ever come back is still unresolved, with Essex Police confirming that Chief Inspector Alan Ray is currently only acting district commander for Epping Forest.

District council chairman John Knapman has long voiced his concern at the rapid changes in senior policing in the Epping Forest District, which has now had four different police commanders in just more than two years.

He said: “I’ve registered with [Divisional Commander] Tim Stokes my concern at the number of changes at senior level in West Essex, and this is yet another example.

“Alan Ray has local knowledge and I’m reasonably happy he’s in charge. What we don’t want is uncertainty over his position.

It’s obvious we need him acknowledged in his position. As long as we get that I’m happy.

Ongar MP Eric Pickles has previously compared the changes at the top to speed dating, and said he was due to meet with Essex Police to discuss the current situation.

He added: “What we need more than anything is continuity of leadership. We get someone in charge and then he’s gone. By the time you get to know them it’s time to go to their leaving do.

“I can understand there’s an investigation and potential disruption. I don’t see why that should put everything on hold. It must be six months now.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Chief Inspector Alan Ray is the current District Commander at Epping Forest while an internal investigation into Jonathan Baldwin's conduct continues.

Jonathan Baldwin has moved to headquarters while this investigation is carried out, but he is currently off sick.

The spokesman added: “Residents in the district have continued to receive the usual high level of service from Chief Inspector Ray and his officers during the past few months."