It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet new neighbourhood police officers being deployed in Southend and to have the chance to hear first-hand their experiences of policing in our city and their plans for the future.
As we welcome tens of thousands of visitors in this wonderful summer heat, it is great to know that they are there, making sure everyone can enjoy.
Given the challenges we’ve faced in previous summers, I was pleased to welcome the Policing Minister to visit Southend, as part of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative. Dame Diana Johnson was briefed by police chiefs about the summer plans for Southend, at a meeting with me and Southend East and Rochford MP, Bayo Alaba, before sampling scampi and chips on the seafront!
Neighbourhood Patrols Guaranteed
We discussed the challenges facing the police and the positive plans they have put in place including guaranteed patrols by neighbourhood police in the town centre, targeting anti-social behaviour and engagement with community events and youth activities. Being a seaside City close to London brings a unique set of challenges for our local Police, and it’s good to see those being recognised by Government.
New neighbourhood policing schemes are now up and running with 500 arrests and 300 charges so far across Essex, in this county with more officers on the street per pound of funding than any other force, according to our constabulary.
Thriving Town Centres
Town centres where businesses and communities can flourish are the heart of our communities. We all have the right to feel safe and this government is turning things around, so that people feel safe on their streets.
Support for Southend’s Police
- 11 new officers
- Extra £2.3 million for Essex Police to save PCSOs from proposed cuts
- Increase for the force this year (2025-2026) £27.1 million
- Funding increased by 6.7%
- Total funding for Essex Police now £433 million (2025-2026)
- Crime is falling, with 8,500 fewer offences this year compared to 2024 [Essex Police]
- Southend police station is to remain open
It’s a positive message this summer to residents and visitors alike that Southend is a great place to live, work and visit.
By David Burton-Sampson
MP for Southend West & Leigh