Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has welcomed the news that Essex Police has added 150 new police officers to the frontline. 8 of these new officers will be allocated to the Castle Point & Rochford policing district.

The funding for these new officers came from increasing the policing element of local council tax by an average of up to £12 per year on a Band D council tax bill. The increase in funding was proposed by the Police & Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, following a public survey where approximately two thirds of people said they would be prepared to see the police element of local council tax increased so that more money could be made available for policing in Essex.

Rebecca in particular knows what a difference these new officers will make to policing across Essex and in Castle Point having spent time shadowing Essex Police’s various units as part of the Police Service Parliamentary Scheme. Ranging from visiting Essex Police’s Dog Unit, the Counter Terrorism Team and to doing a night shift in Southend town centre, Rebecca got to see first-hand the day to day pressures police officers have to face.

Rebecca said:

“This announcement is great news for the people of Castle Point. Essex Police do a tremendous job in challenging circumstances and this extra funding is certainly being put to good use. More police officers on the frontline will help to make the streets of Castle Point even safer.”