A SECOND attempt by Essex Police to slash £42m from their budget has begun.

The first try, in March 2012, had to be amended because some of the changes failed.

Police officers investigating crimes had too many to look at and the danger was criminals may get away with it if it took too long to try to bring them to justice.

So new neighbourhood crime teams were set up and started last week.

It means there will be more officers investigating crimes but there may be less free to patrol.

When the budget cuts were first announced, in 2011, Essex Police decided to axe 1,100 jobs including 400 officers because it couldn’t afford them.

Last March Essex Police tried to minimise the damage from the cuts by restructuring how it worked.

Police stations closed, opening hours were reduced and sections such as the mounted unit were axed.

The force has now looked again at what did and didn’t work and taken the next step.

Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Mason said: “It is imperative the force continues to monitor and review our performance and make informed changes.

“As part of this process, Essex Police will be creating neighbourhood crime teams.

So far the force has cut 187 officers and PCSOs and 484 members of staff.