THE future of police stations and how best to use PCSOs will be up for discussion at the next Essex Police challenge.

The public events are held to give residents the chance to quiz the county's Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston hosts the meetings to hold the force to account in public.

He said: "At this busy time of the year, with budgets being finalised and important decisions taking shape, I really want the people of Essex to be as involved as possible in the debate about one of the key issues, the future of local policing.

"I believe that local policing should be responsive, visible and close to communities, and it must deliver a service that inspires public confidence and meets the needs of our diverse population."

Topics will include:

  • How can Essex Police best use its local policing resources to respond to and investigate crime, and solve nuisance behaviour problems?
  • How can Essex Police modernise contact between the public and the police? Are police station front counters the most efficient and effective way of reporting crime?
  • How can PCSOs best serve our communities?

Essex Police is currently reviewing all its buildings and police stations.

Essex Police is also cancelling matched funding arrangements for PCSOs and redistributing those they have.

Everyone in Essex is welcome to attend the Essex Police Challenge in Lecture Theatre PMI004, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ.

The meeting will start at 7:30pm on Thursday, February 27.

Questions can be submitted via e-mail at EssexPoliceChallenge@essex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively write to PCC for Essex, 3 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1GU.