Cuts to police levels spark anger in Tiptree
8:00pm Thursday 15th December 2011 in News
POLICING levels in Tiptree are being cut, despite promises neighbourhood policing would not be reduced during the major restructuring of Essex Police.
The village will soon lose its remaining sergeant, who is being moved out of the shared fire and police station in the village, and will be based in Colchester.
Essex Police has insisted there will still be a dedicated sergeant, but admitted they will no longer be based in the village permanently and will have other responsibilities.
There will also be a reduction in the number of PCSOs from three to two, when one is seconded for a special operation in Colchester this month. They will return in January.
The moves are part of the force’s bid to save £41million.
The decision has been met with anger and dismay.
Terry Slater, chairman of Tiptree Parish Council, said: “We are unhappy. Policing in Tiptree is not adequate anyway and that is before reducing the number of PCSOs and taking away a sergeant who even lives in Tiptree.
“Having one in Colchester doesn’t mean anything. Colchester is another world.
“On Monday, we should have had a PC at our meeting, but they sent their apologies because they had been called to Colchester for an incident all day.
“We always get promises, but they are never carried out and we are always losing officers.”
The matter will be discussed at the next parish council meeting, along with a discussion about whether to submit an official complaint.
However, Essex Police defended the plans.
A spokesman said: “The sergeant currently responsible for neighbourhood policing in Tiptree is moving to a new post from March 1.
“However, he will be replaced by another who will continue to be responsible for delivering a high-standard of neighbourhood policing in Tiptree and Mersea.
“It has been judged for operational reasons the sergeant will start and end their shift with the wider neighbourhood policing team at the Garrison police station. The expectation will be the sergeant will be visible within the Tiptree and Mersea policing areas.”