Roger Charles Hirst is an English Conservative politician who has served as Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner since 2016. He was elected to the post on 5 May 2016, succeeding the previous incumbent, Nick Alston. He was re-elected in 2021 and 2024.
In July 2026, Hirst was successfully sued for defamation by the Daily Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson, concerning comments he made during a police investigation into one of Pearson's tweets.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/29/allison-pearson-payout-essex-police-commissioner/. Retrieved 30 July 2026. Pearson received a public apology and a five-figure payout from Hirst.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/29/allison-pearson-payout-essex-police-commissioner/. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
Mr Hirst was a Cabinet Member for Essex County Council, and Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council ("BBC"), until he stood down to focus on the PCC campaign. He was first elected as a BBC councillor for the ward of Hutton South in a 2009 by election.
Honours In the 2026 New Year Honours, Hirst was appointed an MBE for services to policing and community safety.
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