Kemi Badenoch, the Member of Parliament for the Saffron Walden constituency, has welcomed the news that Essex Police will be recruiting an additional 215 police officers.
She said: “I've been lobbying hard to get more officers for Uttlesford and Braintree as I know this is a matter of concern for so many of us. We want to see a more visible police presence in our communities.
“I am very pleased that this measure has been approved and Essex Police will get 215 front-line officers. This is in addition to the 150 officers that were recruited last year, who are already making a real difference.
“Policing is my biggest priority and I will continue to represent our constituency in Parliament, work with Essex MPs, our local police and the Commissioner to make sure we build on this positive news and make the most of these extra officers.”
The additional officers will bring police officers numbers up to 3,200 by March next year and will be divided into a number of teams including:
- 68 officers dedicated to town centre policing
- 50 officers to local policing teams
- 21 roads policing officers
- 20 officers dedicated to working with children and young people
- 20 officers to boost the force’s crime and public protection command
- 20 officers dedicated to dealing with gangs and violence and vulnerability
- Seven officers to join the Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team
- Six for the Serious Crime Directorate
- Three for a new dedicated business crime team
