Essex Police Closing Six Front Counters, Nine Staff Redundant From July

Essex Police announced the closure of front counters at several stations, including Basildon, Braintree, Clacton, and Harlow, as well as counters in council offices in Maldon and Uttlesford, effective from July 11. While the stations will remain operational for staff and officers, public access without appointment will end, prompting concerns about reduced accessibility, particularly for vulnerable individuals and those without internet access. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper emphasized that these closures will enable the force to focus more resources on visible neighbourhood policing, which the public reportedly prefers, noting that less than 3% of front counter visits in January 2025 involved new crime reports or intelligence. The force highlighted the rise in online reporting and live chat usage, which has become a popular and efficient alternative for public communication with police. Nine staff members have been made redundant due to these changes, although other front counters in Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, and Grays will remain open. Hooper also acknowledged the symbolic importance of front counters to communities but stressed the priority is investing in local policing to ensure officers are more visible and engaged within neighborhoods.