IN 2008, Police in Taunton launched a new scheme to help reduce crime in the area.
They set up a number of cardboard cut-outs of police officers in different shop front windows around East Taunton.
However the scheme came under fire with locals calling it a 'gimmick'.
The police defended their decision to put life-size cardboard cut-outs of officers in locations around part of Taunton.
They said it will help people across East Taunton get to know their beat managers and make them more approachable.
The cardboard images appeared in supermarkets, schools, doctors’ surgeries and other public areas.
Sgt Andy Murphy said: “We’re committed to helping communities identify who their officers are.
“The life-size images provide an additional opportunity to allow people to familiarise themselves with their neighbourhood beat manager and remind them we’re approachable and here to help.
“Local officers are out on the beat at least 80% of their time. We hold regular neighbourhood beat surgeries and attend community events, so we’re constantly making efforts to engage with locals.
“However, most people don’t need to contact the police unless they’re a victim of crime, so it’s reassuring to know who you can count on if you ever need to.”
Mark Wallace, campaign director for the Taxpayers’ Alliance, blasted the initiative “an unnecessary gimmick”.
He added: “Everyone knows what a police officer looks like. Most people just wish they saw a real one more often.
“Perhaps people would approach bobbies on the beat if there were larger numbers of them.”
Taunton MP Jeremy Browne added: “The police work hard tackling crime in East Taunton.
“This is certainly an unusual idea but before rushing to judgement, we should wait and see whether it makes a difference in helping the community to work more closely with the police.”
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