A commendation to Epping Forest District Council officers and the district council-funded police team has been highlighted by Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing as a "great example of community partners working together".
Police and council officers have been recognised for helping vulnerable people following their work on a drugs operation in Waltham Abbey.
Community resilience and housing officers from Epping Forest District Council working alongside the council-funded police officers set up Operation Synapse after an incident last March when a council tenant was seriously assaulted at a property in Waltham Abbey which had been ‘cuckooed’ by a drug dealer.
The council obtained a Closure Order on the property in Caneland Court before a further four Closure Orders were secured as the perpetrators moved onto other properties in the area.
The council's Housing, Community Resilience and the police team continued to share information regarding new or recent anti-social behaviour complaints. with the information passed to Essex Police's Operation Raptor officers dealing with drugs and gangs.
The working party still meets fortnightly to remain aware of any concerns.
The commendation - for dedication and commitment to the most vulnerable people in the Waltham Abbey community and bringing offenders to justice - recognises senior crime and ASB officer Melissa Faux, community safety investigator Michelle Kerr, senior neighbourhood officer Parminder Kaur, Neighbourhood Officer Roxanne Welfare and Community Safety Team Sgt Neil Ross.
Dame Eleanor said: "I was delighted to hear about this much deserved commendation.
"This is the latest of many success stories that have come about since Conservative-led Epping Forest District Council took the decision to fund Essex Police officers as part of its community team with the officers working closely with district council staff.
"The combined team continues to provide a valuable service to the residents of the Epping Forest district. It is a great example of community partners working together for the benefit of the community."
