Extra police officers to the town centre policing team have been officially welcomed by Southend’s councillor responsible for community safety.
The five new officers will boost the existing team called Op Reflex, who were put in place in the summer of 2018 following an increase of violent disorder within the town centre.
The team will continue to focus on protecting the public, reducing violent crime, anti-social behaviour, theft, drugs offences and maintaining the successful night time economy of the town, by working in partnership with community initiatives and organisations, including the council and its community safety patrol team and BID street rangers.
Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and customer care, welcomed the additional officers. He said: “I am very pleased to be welcoming these extra officers to Southend-on-Sea on behalf of our residents, visitors and local businesses. I’m sure the additional frontline police presence in the town centre will reassure the public.
“This is very much just the beginning though; Southend-on-Sea has undoubtedly felt the impact of central Government cuts to police numbers and my primary objective is to get more frontline Police Officers back on our streets in all our communities across the Borough.
“In addition I know the council’s own community safety patrol team are looking forward to continuing their excellent working relationship with Essex Police to make the town a safer, a more inviting place for people to visit.”
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