ESSEX’s new police and crime commissioner has revealed his vision for policing - with victims at the heart.

Roger Hirst said victims of crime must be kept informed about their case and he pledged to support restorative justice.

Mr Hirst is also looking to make police more visible including pledging a special constable for every village - in contradiction to his predecessor.

Mr Hirst’s vision has been set out in the draft plan which sets the agenda for policing in Essex for the next four years.

The plan puts victims at the forefront of his approach to policing.

It states: “We believe victims should be at the centre of the criminal justice system and are placing a special emphasis on their needs within each and every policing priority area.

“Every victim should receive the services they are entitled to under the victims’ code and we will ensure the criminal justice agencies are held to account for delivery against this code.

“Any person who reports a crime should be kept informed and updated about their case.”

Mr Hirst also pledged to focus on restorative justice where criminals make direct reparations to the community or the victim themselves.

The draft plan adds: “Every victim must have a voice and we will ensure supporting victims is an intrinsic part of the police and crime plan so their voice can be heard and they are able to cope and recover from their experience.”

Mr Hirst voiced his support for visible policing in contradiction to his predecessor Nick Alston who believed the days of the bobbies on the beat were over.

Mr Hirst said volunteers could be recruited to boost numbers and he pledged a special constable for every village by doubling the numbers of the special constabulary.

More rural crime prevention is also planned through the FarmWatch scheme.

And Mr Hirst said he wanted to increase targeted patrols in crime hotspots, town centres and in busy towns at night.

He also backs a re-emptive approach to crime which he called the “broken windows” theory.

The principle is one broken window will lead to more.

By cracking down on low level crime, it will nip more serious crimes in the bud.

Mr Hirst has, however, also promised to focus on domestic abuse, child abuse and road safety and he stated his ambition to disrupt gangs and organised groups.

Essex has a problem with drug and gang crime much of which is overflowing from London into areas including Basildon, Southend, Clacton and Colchester.

The dealers recruit youngsters to do their street dealing offering cash or using threats and intimidation.

And when the youngsters are caught and jailed, the dealers find new teenagers to take their place.

Mr Hirst believes early intervention and organising alternative activities - such as sport - could help guide youngsters away from crime.

The final plan is due to be published in November.

To take part in the police and crime plan survey click here.

Mr Hirst’s seven priorities are:

  • More local, visible and accessible policing
  • Crack down on anti-social behaviour
  • Be tough on domestic abuse
  • Reverse the trend in serious violence
  • Tackle gangs and organised crime
  • Protect children and vulnerable people from harm
  • Improve safety on our roads.