THE police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Essex has advertised for a deputy.

An advert posted on the PCC’s website states the PCC is seeking someone to support him in “scrutinising the police and making sure that crime reduction measures across Essex are efficient and effective”.

The new deputy will be paid between £50,000 and £60,000 a year and focus on driving forward efficiencies in the force.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times yesterday, Mr Alston said: “I am looking for a deputy who will share my vision and my passion for partnership working. I want them to motivate people, to be innovative and be very confident in the job - someone who is going to get out there and make people feel the difference and who shares my broad policing viewpoint.”

Suffolk’s PCC Tim Pasmore said he would not be recruiting a deputy but Mr Alston said the two counties were “radically different”, not least in their size.

He added: “I had to be realistic about what I could bring to the job and what additional skills and experience were needed. It’s a two person job.”

The advertised job also states experience of financial management and working in the public are important. It says the deputy will scrutinise the financial performance of Essex Police and share the PCC’s vision of crime reduction funds.

Mr Alston said he would lead on the operational side of the policing strategy and hold the chief Constable to account, while his deputy would lead on finance and efficiencies.

“Resources will remain quite constrained for the next few years so driving efficiencies will be very important,” he added.

Mr Alston said he decided the salary himself after researching what other deputies around the country were being paid as there was no clear guidance from central government.

“It’s quite a big job so it’s the right salary band,” he said.

A new chief of staff will also be appointed later in the year as part of a re-shaping of the PCC’s office which employs eight people.

The job advert was published on the same day the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan for Essex was approved unanimously by panel members made up of councillors.

The panel also approved the appointment of the new Chief Constable for Essex. Former Metropolitan Police Force officer Stephen Kavanagh will take over the role in early May.

Mr Alston said: “I am delighted to say they have accepted my recommendation.

“He is an outstanding professional and met all the criteria.”