Skip to main contentEnter

Chance to voice your policing concerns to Suffolk's police leaders

News

Suffolk's top police officials will hold a series of public meetings this autumn to discuss local policing and answer residents' questions.

The big picture: Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore and Chief Constable Rachel Kearton are organising meetings across Suffolk to engage directly with the public on policing matters.

Why it matters: These meetings offer a rare opportunity for Suffolk residents to directly engage with top police leadership and voice their concerns and opinions on local policing.

Key details:

  • Martlesham: 6:30pm on October 9th at the Police Headquarters in Martlesham.

  • Stowmarket: 6:30pm on September 12th at The Mix in Stowmarket.

  • An online meeting via Microsoft Teams is scheduled for November 6th at 6pm.

  • The meetings aim to provide updates on Suffolk's policing and allow residents to raise concerns.

  • No booking is required for in-person meetings.

What they're saying:

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton: "Our new operating model for local policing has been in place for nine months now. The purpose was to strengthen community links with the public and ensure that our officers' work is in line with the core mission of policing to tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour that most disrupt our communities."

PCC Tim Passmore: "Policing is such an important public service and it is imperative that the public have an opportunity to have their say. I do hope people will accept this invitation to come and find out more about policing in Suffolk."

The bottom line: These meetings provide a platform for residents to learn about and contribute to discussions on local policing strategies and concerns. If you want your voice to be heard, get involved.

Have your say: If you can't or don't want to attend the meetings in person, please share your views with editor@ipswich.co.uk so we can raise them on your behalf.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

Load next article