Kentish Express Ashford & District
Police in a league of their own
Kent is the only ‘outstanding’ force in country
Kent Police have been rated the only outstanding force out of 43 assessed by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
A report published last week rated Britain’s police constabularies for the first time on how legitimate they are at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
Ann Barnes, Kent’s police and crime commissioner, said she was delighted the force had been placed in a league of their own.
Mrs Barnes said: “In all my experience of the policing world, I can’t remember any HMIC inspection when just one force has been singled out for a topgrading like this.
“This is unique, and great news for Kent Police.
“Since 2014, when I removed numerical targets from the Police and Crime Plan, there has been a deliberate and successful transformation from a target and process-driven organisation to one which truly puts the needs of individual victims at the heart of policing in this county.
“Giving a quality service, with the consent of the public, goes to the heart of the ethos of public service.
“Of all the HMIC reviews that are undertaken, this particular one is the most important one to the chief constable and me. I’m delighted this work, under his determined, dynamic, leadership, with my personal 100% support, has been recognised.”
Zoe Billingham, Her Majesty’s inspector for the Eastern Region, said: “Staff are actively encouraged to use their discretion to do the right thing.
“The widespread understanding and implementation of an ethical culture across the force is having a positive effect on the service to the public.”
Miss Billingham also praised the force’s use of Taser and stop and search, as well as efforts to support police staff – particularly those with mental health issues.
Mrs Barnes added: “Kent is one of the biggest forces in the land with very unique challenges, so it would be easy for the force to miss what is actually important – supporting and developing its workforce.
“I’m pleased HMIC recognised that Kent Police has not lost sight of that.”