Police to get out and about more

POLICE presence on Harlow's streets is to be stepped up with the introduction of a policy putting more bobbies on patrol.

The move, introduced by Divisional Commander Superintendent Ian Learmonth, will mean Harlow's 24-hour response teams will have to do two 20-minute foot patrols at the beginning and end of every shift.

Mr Learmonth said: "There is a need for bobbies to be seen and to respond on a 24-hour basis.

"We're trying to get the right balance between officers being seen by the public as well as being available to respond to the needs of the public."

He said the police were not being complacent and wanted to put officers out in the most effective and efficient way possible.

"We're aware that the public want to see more officers working their beat," Mr Learmonth said.

"There are real concerns about policing, but the way to address that is not necessarily by throwing more officers into an area but being more visible with the officers we have.

"In order to try and give people what they want I've introduced this policy and officers are now expected to do two 20-minute foot patrols.

"This is a direct response to people saying they wanted to see more officers."

09:58 Thursday 8th August 2002

Printer Friendly Format

Send This Page To A Friend