Essex Police Officers Numbers May Be Cut Again

15 September 2014, 07:36 | Updated: 15 September 2014, 07:37

The Chief Constable of Essex Police has told Heart he may have to reduce officer numbers again to save money.

Stephen Kavangh says a reduction in money from the Government means the force has to save £24 million, and at this stage half of those savings have been identified.

He says it will have an impact: "We've reduced the numbers of officers in the county by about 400 and the likelihood is there will be further reductions in officer numbers.

"But we will minimise those by using better IT, mobile technologies and better use of intelligence.

Mr Kavanagh has reassured the public they will still get a good service: "I'm working with the Police Federation, junior staff, senior staff to put more officers back in local communities with better technology and better intelligence.

"I'll police according to what the Government give me and my officers are committed to doing the very best they can with the numbers we're given."