The Tendring area could soon be playing host to controversial street wardens who will be paid to help police fight crime.
The auxiliary officers, who will not be part of the police and will have their own uniforms, are already on the streets of London and Harlow
But critics claim they are "policing on the cheap."
Essex Police could have 80 wardens across the county, with about ten cycling or walking around each district from the autumn.
Today, Essex Police Authority members will be deciding whether to allocate £500,000 to the project, revealed in the Evening Gazette last year, after the Government announced the idea.
Police authority chairman Robert Chambers said the community wardens would be the eyes and ears for police officers.
Published Monday, January 20, 2003
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