ESSEX’S crime commissioner has vowed that residents will see a “real difference” in visible policing on the streets as he sets out a plan to tackle crime over the next four years.

Roger Hirst, police and crime commissioner for Essex, launched his plan yesterday following consultation events across the county, which explains how he will make Essex safer and keep vulnerable people from harm.

The priorities for officers, which will remain in place until 2020, include a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, tackling gangs and organised crime, breaking the cycle of domestic abuse and improving safety on the roads.

During the consultation, 1,675 people - about 92 per cent of respondents to a survey - endorsed the need for more local, visible and accessible policing.

To address the issue, Mr Hirst said that there will targeted patrols around crime hotspots, town centres, bars and nightclubs.

He also intends to boost community volunteering by doubling the members of the special constabulary, basing one special constable in every community.

In Basildon, there are 22 special constables, who volunteer their free time, 16 of whom are linked to the emergency response team and six who help out the community policing team.

Every frontline police officer will also be given a Samsung smart phone or tablet to allow them to record crimes out-and-about, keeping them on the beat.

Mr Hirst said: “You will see a real difference over the coming months as we work to double the size of the special constabulary, arm all of our frontline officers with smart phones and other improved technologies such as body-worn video, so they can spend more time out on patrol and gather evidence more effectively, and foster community safety hubs in each of the districts and unitaries across the county so we can share intelligence and intervene early to keep people safe.

“The next few years will continue to see considerable changes in the way we deliver community safety across our county. I believe we have a police and crime plan here which will guide us through those changes so that you are able to have increasing confidence in your safety.”

To reverse the trend in serious violence, Mr Hirst vowed to prevent children becoming involved in violence and help people get treatment for substance misuse.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “The nature of crime and harm is changing, with comparatively fewer crimes happening on our streets and many more now taking place in our homes. The rise in ‘hidden harm’ crimes like domestic abuse, child abuse and human trafficking also require a different approach in terms of policing.”

He added: “Yet we know that the public deserve and expect a local and visible presence as well. We also have an increasing and invaluable network of assistance from ‘Active Citizens’ including neighbourhood watch, volunteer police cadets and, of course, the fantastic men and women who give their time and skills as special constables to help.”