A police scheme which could mean officers being paid £34 an hour overtime by Braintree Council to patrol the district's crime hotspots has provoked concern among councillors.

The patrols would be carried out at overtime rates to stop any weakening of normal policing, according to Essex Police Chief Constable David Stevens.

In a report to Monday's police authority meeting, Mr Stevens emphasised that fees for such patrols would not be a substitute for normal policing.

"It would be for additional patrols beyond that justified by patterns of operational demand," he said. "All patrols would be carried out by local officers on overtime so there would be no impact on normal officer availability."

Braintree district and county councillor Douglas Rice has voiced concerns about the implications of the Chief Constable's report which says overtime for a constable is £34.50 per hour.

"I am worried about the image of the police being totally independent and not beholden to any organisation, said Cllr Rice. "I do not like the idea and I think it is up to the government and the Home Office to make sure the police have adequate resources."

Police authority member and county councillor, Robert Chambers, said: "District councils need to be much more actively involved in policing, but we need to promote partnership rather than saying 'if you want extra policing then you pay for it'."

"The police are no different from district councils in that they need to save money," he added. "The best way for them to help each other is by pooling their ever-diminishing resources."

Braintree Council spokesman, Chris Trim, said: "We are working with other local organisations and the police and will be jointly issuing a new strategy for local community safety, probably during March.

"There will be more to say then," he added, "but perhaps the proper way for the police to apply for additional funding is through the existing council tax precept process."

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