Members of the public are being invited to take part in a live web chat with Suffolk Constabulary's chief constable Gareth Wilson and police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore.

The event is taking place on Thursday between 6pm and 7.30pm, when Mr Wilson and Mr Passmore will be online to answer any questions about policing, and to discuss the re-design of local policing currently underway.

Questions can be asked anonymously and on any policing issue.

Mr Passmore said: 'Having direct contact with members of the public is very important to me and a key part of my role as commissioner. A crucial part of my work is to represent the views and opinions of local communities as we deliver policing across the county and this web chat is a great way for me to gather these views.

'The police service locally and nationally is in a period of great change as forces work to deliver more for less, and I am committed to ensuring that the re-design of these services in Suffolk meets the needs of local people and the demand we currently face. I would encourage anyone with a question or comment to log on and get involved, tell us what you think as your opinion matters.'

Mr Wilson added: 'We have made a lot of announcements in recent months about our financial position, the demand we are facing and the changes we are making to our services.

'The context we are working in is changing rapidly in terms of finances and demand, and we are responding quickly to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible service to our communities.

'This month's web chat is a great way for people to talk to us about these changes so that we can help people understand why we are implementing a new policing model. Recent news from the Home Office means that we no longer have to deliver savings of the magnitude we were previously facing, but it is essential that we continue with our plans for re-design so that we are providing services that are right for today.

'I hope that lots of people get involved and I look forward to discussing these areas.'

To access the web chat, visit www.suffolk.police.uk on Thursday, January 28, from 6pm and access the link on the homepage.