County Councillor Roger Hirst, the Conservative Candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May, was joined by Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois when he explained to the Rayleigh Conservative Supper Club why he wants to see a Special Constable appointed in every village in Essex.
Roger is running to take over the Police and Crime Commissioner post from the current incumbent, Nick Alston, and he has some strong views on the need to combat anti-social behaviour and for the police to make better use of Information Technology (IT) in order to make their crime fighting efforts more efficient.
As part of his platform, Roger wants to create a network of Special Constable’s in every village in Essex, so that every such community would have one person they can immediately turn to if they have a law and order issue. In addition, he pledged that the current force of regular officers at 2,800 police, would not fall further during his time of office.
Speaking after hearing Roger, Mark Francois said:
“C Cllr Roger Hirst, who has a strong business and local Government background came across as a man with clear ideas about how he wants to equip Essex Police for the 21st century. I was particularly pleased to hear him pledge no further reduction in regular police numbers, after George Osborne reduced the pressure on police budgets in the recent Autumn Statement. I think Roger would make a fine Police and Crime Commissioner and it was good to have an opportunity to hear so much of what he has to offer.”