Essex Police bosses said today they want to resist Government merger proposals and become a stand-alone force.
This is despite a Home Office push to merge Essex with neighbouring constabularies under a national shake-up.
The police authority and chief officers held a meeting behind closed doors yesterday to discuss ways of retaining a county force.
Police authority chairman Robert Chambers believes Essex as a stand-alone force can deliver what the Government is looking for.
He said: "Although we have received these comments back from the Home Secretary, we still believe in Essex we have a very strong case to put it forward as a strategic force to ensure that Essex residents keep their excellent police service, which is improving day by day."
The Home Office has suggested Essex Police take up one of the three merger options and drop plans to remain as it is.
A preferred option will be presented by December 23.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, November 15, 2005
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