Canterbury Police have thanked staff and members of the public for their input into a proposal to redesign the way police resources are organised across the district.

Submissions on the proposal closed on Monday, with around 200 submissions from staff and 800 from the public and external parties, including petitions.

Canterbury Police District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said the level of engagement had been invaluable.

“We received around 200 staff submissions and 800 submissions from the public or external parties, including some petitions,” he said.

“This was a very important process for our staff, as the people directly impacted by these proposals. Staff sent in very well considered, high quality feedback.

“Members of the public have also sent in some outstandingly articulate and thoughtful feedback which demonstrated people have taken the time to look over the proposals in detail.

“All this feedback has been invaluable and has reinforced for me that we need to take more time with some aspects of the proposal and to keep tracking with others.”

Superintendent Hill said while police were keen to provide decisions quickly, they needed time to properly consider all the feedback.

“While we are keen to provide decisions as soon as possible, we also need to allow enough time to consider all the feedback thoroughly. Our team is now working through the feedback for us to consider before any final decisions are made.

“I hope to be in a position to provide an update on next steps and indicative timeframes in the coming weeks.”