Essex Police Authority is calling for a 'fresh start' with a new chief constable when present chief David Stevens' contract ends in 2005.

Authority chairman Cllr Robert Chambers made the surprise announcement at a public meeting in Chelmsford on Monday.

He told a meeting of Chignal Estate residents that a modern chief constable should be 'more community minded' because he was responsible to both the Police Authority and the Home Secretary.

Cllr Chambers said he had no criticism of the way Mr Stevens had run Essex Police in his seven year tenure but it was 'unlikely' the Home Office would renew his contract when it came to an end next year, partly because contracts were being shortened from the current seven year term to five.

Cllr Chambers told the Essex Chronicle no decision had been taken about the new chief and the authority would be looking for suitable candidates: "I repeat I have no criticism of Mr Stevens or what he has done for Essex; it is just time for a fresh start."

Mr Stevens said: "I actually introduced community policing here very shortly after I came.

"It is no secret my contract is up next year and I can say I had not re-applied and was planning to organise myself an alternative for next June.

"I felt I had a very good professional working relationship with the authority and in this county now the fear of crime, according to a recent survey, is at an all time low. I must say I find the chairman's comments very disappointing."

A Home Office Spokeswoman said: "We would not comment on any internal relationships in any one force. When a chief constable's contract is up the police authority advertises for suitable candidates."

Published Friday October 1, 2004

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