THE Chief Constable of Essex detailed the stark challenges facing both the police and the public in Thurrock over the next few decade.
In an honest appraisal of policing in Thurrock and Essex, Steven Kavanagh and his team spent two hours at the meeting in Grays Community Hall last week.
On a number of occasions throughout the evening, the chief stressed the challenges of cyber crime and he made reference to "Fraud, terrorism and child pornography being significant challenges to our everyday lives."
The chief said: "A Ukraninian teenager could send malware into tens of thousands of computers in Essex, affecting the everyday life of people in the county. That is just one small but significant example.
The chief also stressed the possible consequences of "between £50 million and a £100 million worth of cuts between now and 2020."
The meeting was facilitated by police crime commissioner, Nick Alston who challenged the chief on a number of issues facing the force.
The chief made a robust defence of his officer’s actions regarding Cory’s Wharf and the mile long fly-tip.
He said: "My officers attended at that location in August and used all their powers consistently, without fear or favour."
His comments were made as Tory MP, Jackie Doyle-Price (who was present for part of the meeting) has made severe criticisms of the police and the council.
They stressed the ‘complex needs of an area such as Thurrock when it came to traffic challenges. Road Traffic being one of them with Lakeside, M25, A13, the port of Tilbury and the growing DP World London Gateway.
Questions from the floor ranged from traffic in Chafford Hundred, Lakeside cruisers, general matters in Aveley (a sep. news item).
Teachers from Hassenbrook Academy asked questions regarding the closure of Corringham Police Station.
The chief replied that "Essex Police has a large number of dilapidated buildings that have passed their use. Corringham police station is being used by a number of agencies but not as a functioning police station.
The spectre of staff sickness was also laid bare. The figures showed that PCSO’s in Essex have an average of 14 days off sick a year. Most with back "muscular-skeletal problems".
The chief concluded: "The challenges we face in 2014 and beyond are not easy. We are re-shaping the whole police model to face those needs.
"We hope the public of Essex and Thurrock understand and will back us. As I have detailed there are many new and complex issues facing us today.
