Police force builds stronger ties

with rural residents

One of the country’s largest police forces is forging a stronger relationship with its local communities by setting up a forum dedicated to rural views.

Essex Police established its Independent Rural Advisory Group at the beginning of July after the chief constable met with residents impacted by rural crime.

Listening to rural concerns and using the unique insight and feedback shared by residents to shape more targeted policing strategies is a welcome move and something that ACRE believes could and should be rolled out elsewhere.

Members of this new group, which includes farmers, landowners and community leaders, will meet with officers on a regular basis, and use the time to discuss issues of local concern, receive updates and, ultimately, hold the force to account for its response to rural crime.

Superintendent Darren Deex said: “We know rural communities face unique challenges, so we must work with them, not just for them, to improve confidence and tackle issues and crimes which affect them.

“Setting up the Rural IAG will help us to hold open and honest conversations with local people about what matters to them.

“This will help the force shape our response to rural crime and policing, both now and in the future.”

The initiative was also welcomed by the county’s police, fire and crime commissioner.

Roger Hirst said: “By bringing together members of our Rural Crime Forum and representatives from across the rural community, it will help provide valuable insight, constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.”

Further information can be found online at www.essex.police.uk.