Police chief faces critics

More than 200 federation members attended the meeting to put the county's top cop on the spot.

Mr Baker's methods have faced criticism recently amid claims of low morale, lack of frontline officers and a high number of policemen and women requesting transfers out of Essex.

The controversy has been focused on a chat forum on the website www.policeoracle.com where officers have anonymously posted stinging criticisms of Mr Baker.

Sue Kelly, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, said there was a "frank exchange of views" during the meeting, in Chelmsford, which was also attended by representatives of Essex Police Authority.

She said: "He was asked about the number of officers that have transferred and he responded to that. He also spoke about what we are doing to try and keep our officers."

Federation members also raised safety fears over what they claimed was a lack of officers available to respond to emergency calls, due to the emphasis on neighbourhood policing teams.

Mrs Kelly said: "That may affect some of the morale issues. If officers feel unsafe, they do not feel as happy in their work."

Police officers posting comments on the website gave a lukewarm reaction to their meeting with Mr Baker.

One officer, calling himself NeeNaw, wrote: "Mr Baker seemed quite condescending, but then what do you expect with 200 or so officers angry at him? It was a good turnout, but raised more questions than it answered."

Another officer, calling himself Moose, wrote: "We have all attended, told him what is wrong and what the issues are and he has made promises to various sergeants and others who posed questions to find things out.

"I think we should judge him on what he is does to rectify and improve things."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Essex Police and Essex Police Authority welcome the views and feedback of officers and every effort has been made to give officers the chance to attend this meeting."