ESSEX police authority chairman Robert Chambers has resigned from his role at the authority today (Monday, February 7).

ESSEX police authority chairman Robert Chambers has resigned from his role at the authority today.

Mr Chambers, who lives in Saffron Walden, joined Essex Police Authority as a member in 1997 and became the chairman in June 2002.

The Vice-Chairman, Neil Macdonald, will now take over as his role.

Mr Chambers said: “It is with regret that I have decided to stand down from Essex Police Authority and consequently as chairman. I do this for the sake of the authority, who I believe to be the best in the country.

“I am doing this because I am considering putting my name forward as a candidate for the new Police and Crime Commissioner, likely to come into effect from May 2012. As a member of Essex Police Authority I would not be eligible to stand, so I would have to stand down sooner or later.

“In terms of staff and officer numbers, I leave the authority and police force in the best position it has ever been. We have more police officers then ever before, 3600, our police community support officers are at 462 and our special constables are at 650. When you consider that when I took over as chairman there were 3000 officers, no police community support officers and under 400 specials, I think that speaks for itself.

“Crime as a whole is decreasing year by year, but with the difficult national economic situation and the authority having to make savings of �45 million over the next four years, policing in this country is going to change.

“I have put in place, together with the authority and the Chief Constable, a four year plan which will overcome these drastic cuts and will provide the residents of Essex with a 21st century police force, capable of continuing to bring down crime.

“I would like to thank all the authority members I have worked with for all their help and support.

“I must also thank all the staff members at the authority and in particular the Chief Constable and Chief Officers over the years, as well as the officers and staff at Essex Police and of course the people of Essex.

“May I wish Essex Police Authority and Essex Police every success in their endeavours over the coming difficult times.

“I will continue to serve my constituents both at Essex County Council and Uttlesford District Council to the best of my ability and remain available to them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

More to follow