PCC welcomes changes to local policing
From today, Monday September 1, Essex Police is making a number of important changes to the way officers and police staff work across the county.
Each of the ten policing districts, under the direction of a local Chief Inspector, will now have a team of officers responsible for responding to and investigating crime and other community concerns. The new teams will be known as Local Policing Teams. They will work from local stations and operate on a 24/7 basis.
The changes will move 500 officers to work under the direct control of local police commanders. This is made possible by aligning the currently centrally co-ordinated response officers to the local policing teams.
The reorganisation recognises the importance of local policing, clear accountability to communities and strong understanding local problems.
A policing ‘hub’ will operate on each district from today (September 1). Each hub will be led by a local inspector and be responsible for maintaining strong community ties and working with partners to tackle local problems. The locally based teams will take a particular interest in dealing with issues such as anti-social behaviour, safeguarding repeat and vulnerable victims and tackling drug and alcohol misuse.
Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “Local policing is at the very heart of how I believe the public want policing delivered in the county. The changes we are making demonstrate our commitment to local policing.
“The development of local teams, supported by the new policing hubs, recognises the fact that communities want officers with good local knowledge who really understand their local issues.
“Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) visibly patrolling their beat continues to be a key part of the policing style in Essex. I understand and agree with the importance residents and businesses attach to this local presence.”
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “I welcome the introduction of a new model for local policing which will ensure high levels of local responsibility for responding to and investigating crime and ASB incidents. I’m pleased that Essex Police has been consulting widely with local stakeholders about these plans.
“At the heart of the Police and Crime Plan for Essex is the concept of local solutions for local problems, and I know Chief Constable Kavanagh remains committed to this approach. Returning officers to local supervision ensures ongoing ownership of crime and ASB incidents by local officers.
“I’m delighted that PCSOs remain an integral part of the local policing model. I know how highly they are valued by local communities, and the visible presence they provide through their regular patrol beats is invaluable.
“Another key element is close working between Essex Police and key partner agencies, such as Community Safety Partnerships, who together can help build a safer Essex.
“As the local policing model develops, plans for enhanced and focused meetings between local officers and PCSOs and the public they serve will be implemented. I see the opportunity such engagement provides for ensuring local challenges are addressed and resolved over time as a key part of the new local policing model.”
Today also sees the introduction of dedicated domestic abuse investigation teams, code named Op Juno, across the county. Specialist officers and staff will oversee all domestic abuse investigations as well as work closely with partner agencies ensuring the best possible support for victims and a robust, co-ordinated response to those responsible.
