THE streets of Essex will be pounded by an extra 65 police officers from today , as the Chief Constable continues his pledge to put extra bobbies on the beat.

THE streets of Essex will be pounded by an extra 65 police officers from today , as the Chief Constable continues his pledge to put extra bobbies on the beat.

Some 65 police officers, who up to now have been office-bound, have been released to front line duties as part of the new Chief Constable Roger Baker's focus on visible policing.

Mr Baker, who took over as head of Essex Police in July, has promised to put 200 officers on the streets by the end of March next year.

With the extra 65 due to start patrols today, the total number of officers released onto front line duties since Mr Baker started will reach 90.

As well as increasing visible policing, Essex Police and Essex Police Authority's main priorities are reducing anti-social behaviour and improving the force's contact with communities.

Mr Baker said: "I believe in a policing style where everyone in Essex can expect a first-class service. That style is one of an increased presence on our streets, and I will continue to ensure that visible policing is at the forefront of policing in Essex.

"I will also continue to strive to keep crime and the fear of crime and disorder down, detections up, and an increased public satisfaction with policing services."

Robert Chambers, chairman of Essex Police Authority added: "I am delighted we have been able to release these officers on to the front line.

"The new policing style in Essex is all about people policing, and we are delivering what the public have told us they want."

The new initiative caused controversy in July when the Essex Police wildlife liaison officer, Barry Kaufmann-Wright, a well-respected and award-winning specialist in his field, was told he had to report to frontline duties. The order prompted Mr Kaufmann-Wright to resign.

Earlier this week the EADT reported that another of Mr Baker's new initiatives, Operation Days of Action, has resulted in a 75% increase in arrests.

In the last two months the daily average number of arrests has gone up from 107 to 188.