FEARS that #CutsHaveConsequences to policing in Essex have been realised – as a new survey shows people are struggling to see Bobbies on the Beat.<\/p>\n
More than 95 per cent of people believe the number of police officers they see patrolling in Essex has fallen since 2011, a new poll shows.\u00a0The survey comes as the Federation places #CutsHaveConsequences adverts on 183 buses across the county (pictured).<\/p>\n
The poll\u00a0also shows that 93 per cent of people do not believe Essex Police officers can still provide a prompt response to the public.<\/p>\n
The Federation chairman Mark Smith (pictured) has also been to the House of Commons to lobby sitting and prospective MPs of all parties on the importance of the force being properly and appropriately funded.<\/p>\n
Essex Police officers are concerned for public safety because of the \u00a372.5 million Government funding cuts in the county.<\/p>\n
Mr Smith said: \u201cSince the cuts to the policing budget started in 2011, we have lost more than 400 police officers in Essex. You will never see these officers again, the budget has been cut and those savings have been made.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we are faced with more cuts \u2013 and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary has predicted the same level of cuts for policing in the next Parliament – it will be catastrophic for the force and the county.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo we really want a police service in this county when the only time the public we serve sees a police officer is when they are being arrested?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can only provide you with the service you are entitled to if we are funded correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three month #CutsHaveConsequences campaign \u2013 which launched at the beginning of January – is running across social media, bus, train station and newspaper adverts \u2013 and is highlighting the consequences of cuts to policing budgets in Essex and what they will mean to the tax-paying public.<\/p>\n