A police representative has expressed his concern about civilianising office-based jobs.

Around 135 office-based jobs in Essex Police will be given to civilians and some staff not replaced when they retire.

David Jones, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: said: "If we are not careful we are going to get to the stage when the only contact you will have with a police officer is when you are a victim of crime and they turn up on your doorstep, you are involved in an accident, or are reported for a motoring offence.

"We fear we are going to lose the contact with the public."

Mr Jones, who represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector, said: "We feel that if we are not careful we will lose the experiences of someone carrying out initial investigations when a person is ringing to record a crime.

"By the right sort of searching questions extra bits and pieces may come out . . . and it could be something we feel we should send an officer to."

He said he was sceptical civilianisation would maintain the level of operational policing.

"We have great reservations as to how this is going to work and we fear it's going to lead to a reduction in patrolling officers."

Mr Jones said officers were also concerned it would result in less jobs available for police officers recovering from injuries on duty.

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