#CutsHaveConsequences as crime figures rise in Essex

CRIME figures is Essex – as well as response times – have gone up as the public see how #CutsHaveConsequences to policing.

There has been an increase of 0.2 per cent in all crime offences showing at the end of December 2014, the Police and Crime Commissioner has revealed.

And response times are also on the rise – while victim satisfaction is down.

Domestic violence has also slightly increased.

The figures also show that “the number of [killed or seriously injured] casualties on the road has continued to increase… with specific concern around collisions involving older drivers, young people and motorcycles.”

This is while the number of traffic officers have reduced.

Mark Smith, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “It is quite clear what we are being told by politicians is not true.

“They say crime is down, it is not. We have already had cuts of £72.5million and we have heard in the next five years we are going to have to save another £80million.”

He said the #CutsHaveConsequences campaign – raising public awareness of the cuts to policing – would continue.

Mr Smith added: “We’re still moving forward and I believe we are getting the message out to the public.”

Nick Alston, PCC for Essex, said: “With our increasing focus on some of the crimes that cause the most serious harm, such as domestic abuse, child abuse and child sexual exploitation, with the reduction in the number of police officers as a result of budget cuts, and in a county as large as Essex, it is inevitable and regrettable that officers will be stretched and response time targets may not always be met.

“I know that officers are working relentlessly and professionally to respond to 999 calls.

Often, particularly in urban areas, calls will be responded to well within response time targets. The Chief Constable has led significant work to understand the demand on force resources, and ensure officers are available where and when needed.

“However, I am concerned that in around one in six emergency incidents, Essex Police is failing to meet the standard response target time of 15 minutes for an urban emergency and 20 minutes for a rural emergency.”

See more about the crime figures here http://www.essex.pcc.police.uk/2015/02/how-is-essex-police-performing/