SERIOUS concerns have been raised about Essex Police’s ability to respond to crimes after it emerged the force would have to cut £46million from its budget over the next three years.

Nick Alston, the county’s police and crime commissioner, is warning there will be a “reduction” in police services as the force looks to be “more efficient”.

However, Mark Smith, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, went further, saying the cuts would stop officers from responding to crimes for days.

The force has already had to find £47.3million in savings over four years, with the latest cuts now being discussed.

Mr Smith said: “Our concern is this is going to be front line police officers yet again. I have grave concerns. We have lost the dog units, firearms officers, traffic officers and the marine units. Where does it stop?

“It makes us wonder, is the Government trying to civilianise or privatise the force? You can only sell a police building once or stop using something once. There gets to a point where there’s no money for the chief constable and the force ceases to exist. I don’t think Essex Police is far off that.”

He added: “Every day our control room calls up for units and there are not any, sometimes our 999 calls get diverted to other forces to answer. It’s not right having a burglary and not seeing a police officer for four days, but if something goes wrong the finger gets pointed at the police, not the people who have made the cuts.

“The public are the only people who can stop this by saying to the Government enough is enough and if you don’t stop we won’t vote for you.”

The Government has not yet set out its official budget cuts, but has told the force to prepare for a 5 per cent reduction to its budget every year.

If the force made the savings just by cutting staff, it would mean losing 557 police officers, 77 PCSOs and 516 police staff. Mr Alston said: “There are some very challenging times ahead of us. We should plan for a 5 per cent reduction overall. It’s going to be a mixture of looking at buildings, using new technology and more efficient policing.

“Frankly, if the reduction of funding continues over three years it’s inevitable there will be a reduction in some police services.”

The latest Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary reports on the force’s value for money already said the force has a below average number of police officers and is underfunded by the Government.

Mr Alston added: “We want Essex Police to remain focused on where the greatest harm is. Will some areas suffer? I think they will.

“I am asking the Essex Police Crime Panel to help me understand what the priorities should be.”