Essex Police's nine divisions are to be reduced to five as part of a major shake-up.

Essex Chief Constable Roger Baker - his proposal to cut the number of divisions from nine to five was approved. (43745-7)

Chief Constable Roger Baker's proposal to carve up the county was approved by councillors yesterday. Colchester and Tendring will become the Eastern Area and Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon will form the Central Area.

The move is expected to save millions of pounds and pave the way for the return of 100 officers to front-line duties.

Mr Baker said: "The aim of this review is to prevent and reduce crime, increase detection rates and make a positive impact on anti-social behaviour by increasing police numbers and visibility by putting a further 100 police officers on the front-line by March 31 next year."

Four options were up for grabs and chief officers decided to go for option B following consultations with the public and partners. The names of the five chief superintendents who will be in charge of the new command teams will be announced tonight.

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Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005

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