POLICE constables have been appointed Neighbourhood Specialist Officers in a bid to break down barriers with residents.

Ten Colchester officers have been allocated areas where they will work with the community to tackle crime and resolve issues.

They already work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, but the new roles will enable them to become dedicated points of contact.

The community cops will be expected to attend public meetings, hold beat surgeries and work closely with neighbourhood action panels.

They will receive training to help them with the job.

Chief Insp Adrian Coombs, Colchester district commander, said: “It is my expectation each new neighbourhood specialist officer will stay in post for a minimum of two years, so their community gets the chance to know them, and vice versa.

“It will also ensure they have a good understanding of the area they work in.

“It’s a step forward to be able to offer the community of Colchester additional neighbourhood specialist officers.”

Chief Insp Coombs said there had been examples of how the dedicated service of existing officers had helped solve problems recently.

He said their efforts had helped to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.

There are now 24 neighbourhood specialist officers in the Colchester district.

PCs Dave Hirst, Dave Underwood, Tom Walker and Rob Wright make up a four-strong team for Colchester town.

PCs Lisa Vaughan-Jones, Richard Bemment, Debbie Hewitt and Rob Hurrell are the dedicated officers for St Andrews and St Annes.

PCs Scott Lummis, Kelly Metcalfe and Steve Walsom are the team for High Woods, Mile End and St Johns.