Supt Ed Brown said the council-funded officers would be dedicated to the area, and their usual roles within the force would be covered by new recruits.
“It will bring consistency and continuity, so they will get to know the businesses, the people who live here and the people who cause problems, so they build up that knowledge… and divert them to support services if they are able to,” he said.
Asked whether the scheme set a dangerous precedent on police funding – which is usually provided by the Home Office – Brown said it was a first for Norfolk and could “make a difference”, while Smith said it was “radical, but what the people wanted”.
The task force would be subject to annual consultation and feedback, Smith added.
