Basildon and East Thurrock's MP has welcomed police figures showing an increase in 119 officers in Essex between September 2000 and September 2001.
Angela Smith has also voiced her support for a new Government task force to examine the way police operate, following a study which showed officers spend as much time in the police station as on the street.
She said: "I know how concerned people are to see more police on the beat and this increase to nearly 3,000 officers will make a real difference.
"Police numbers have been falling for many years and I am pleased to see that this has now been turned around and we are seeing increases."
Published Monday January 14, 2002
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