COPS should cut antisocial behaviour, not just change job titles, an MP has said.
Douglas Carswell, MP for Clacton and Harwich, said: “There has been a 10 per cent rise in crime in central Clacton, so we need action, not just PR.”
Essex Police revealed it has introduced another 14 Neighbourhood Specialist Officers in Tendring, including a four-strong team set up to fight crime in Jaywick, Bockings Elm, Rush Green and Clacton’s Peter Bruff wards.
Plans have also been unveiled to increase the number of neighbourhood officers to an all-time high of 24. But, when questioned further, a police spokesman said none of the cops were new additions to the force.
In fact, many of them had already been working in the neighbourhood they will be representing.
Mr Carswell said: “People are going to judge the effectiveness of the new Chief Constable by what he actually does to deal with troublemakers and yobs.
“It is results that are going to matter to me and local people, seeing a change in the amount of antisocial behaviour, not just a change in job titles.”
Essex Police spokesman Debbie Chisholm said the officers had their current roles either stepped up or formalised.
She added: “It gives them more time to concentrate on a specific area.
“It is trying to get back to traditional policing. It gives the officer a chance to be the specific officer for an area.
“Hopefully it will improve contact and give residents a known face.”
Chief Insp Jon Hayter, district commander, described the community cops as “highly-skilled officers who consistently go above and beyond the usual expectations of a police officer”.
He added: “They provide the essential link between the force and the community and listen to issues and answer concerns.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel