POLITICS has pitched headlong into policing in Essex today (Thursday, 10 April) with the Labour government pledging a big investment aimed at putting 'bobbies back on the beat'.

There was recent concern with both Essex Chief Constable BJ Harrington and Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst contemplating service cuts.

At threat, among others, were Police Community Service Officers, but earlier government commitment eased that fear, though others remained.

Today the government made further pledges, saying every neighbourhood in Essex will have named, contactable officers from July as the government kickstarts its plan to restore neighbourhood policing across England and Wales. 

A statement said: "In recent years, visible policing has declined dramatically, with the number of people who regularly see officers patrolling their local area halving in the past decade.

"This has contributed to rising antisocial behaviour and crime in town centres, eroding public confidence and leaving communities feeling unsafe and forgotten. 

"From July, communities across the country will see policing strengthened with three key improvements as part of the government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee: 

·      Named officers for every neighbourhood who residents can turn to, with all enquiries guaranteed a response within 72 hours. 

·      A dedicated antisocial behaviour leader in each force working with residents and businesses to develop tailored action plans. 

·     Regular patrols in town centres during peak times to increase police visibility where it's needed most. 

"This forms part of the 3,000 additional staff in neighbourhood roles nationwide next year, funded by the government's £200 million investment."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The heartbeat of our Great British policing tradition is seeing bobbies on the beat but for too long, communities have been feeling abandoned as crime soars.

"Too many communities no longer feel safe because they do not have local officers to turn to as yobs and street criminals run amok in their towns and villages. 

"It should not matter where you live – everyone deserves local, visible policing they can trust, and with our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we will end this postcode lottery and restore policing to our communities." 

The government says that, by the end of parliament, Essex will see its share of the 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers that will be deployed across England and Wales by 2029.

"Officers will also be equipped with new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill to tackle street crime and antisocial behaviour more effectively," it says.