More than 100 new police officers earmarked for Essex will be introduced in two years rather than three, according to a Government minister.

Charles Clarke MP, was giving details about an announcement made by Home Secretary Jack Straw on how £285 million allocated in last week's budget would be used.

Mr Clarke, the Home Office minister responsible for community policing and safety, said the Government had originally planned to recruit 5,000 officers nationwide over three years but this would now be reduced to two years.

A total of 103 new officers have been earmarked for Essex. The move is part of a four-point plan to alleviate fears about declining police numbers and was outlined by Mr Clarke when he visited Colchester on Friday.

He visited the police station and looked at the town's CCTV before meeting representatives from the Colchester Youth Forum.

He said: "I have been very impressed with Colchester police who have put a lot of importance in the way resources can be used in an effective way."

The other points of the plan were to increase the role technology played in getting officers away from paperwork and on to the beat.

Local partnership schemes between police and groups such as local authorities and community groups would also be promoted.

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