New technology will get police officers out of stations and back onto the streets, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner told Tamworth people during a lively debate.
Mr Ellis took part in the third annual Tamworth Listens question time event in the town’s Assembly Rooms on Wednesday night, 18 November.
He was part of a panel that responded to various questions about themes including community safety, regeneration and health at the debate organised by Tamworth Borough Council.
Around 100 local residents attended the two-hour event which was broadcast live by Tamworth’s community radio station, TCR fm.
The Commissioner told the audience that Tamworth police officers had enthusiastically embraced new tablet technology which is being rolled out locally this month.
“Police officers no longer need to be stuck in police stations thanks to this technology which means they can be more visible and spend more time in their community,” he said.
“When fully bedded in, this technology will help free up an extra 250,000 hours of police time to be out on the beat a year which is the equivalent of an extra 100 officers on duty.”
Mr Ellis was joined on the panel by Tamworth Borough Council Leader Councillor Danny Cook, Staffordshire County Councillor Ben Adams and Dr John James, Chair of the NHS South East Staffs and Seisdon Peninsula Clinical Commissioning Group.
Councillor Cook said: “I thought this year’s event raised some good debate and gave all the panellists food for thought as we build the public services for the next decade to sustain our town. With that in mind, I would most like to thank those who attended and those who submitted questions – your feedback is important.”
Mr Ellis and the panel also answered questions on subjects including mental health, the 101 service and the future of Tamworth police station.
The debate can be heard again here
Tamworth residents are being encouraged to join a new Safer Neighbourhood Panel in the town which will allow people to influence and scrutinise local policing even further. Application forms are available now until the closing date on 18 December for people who are interested in joining here
