Good at reducing crime and keeping people safe

A report into the way Kent Police handle crime has graded it as generally good.

The Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report delivered an overall rating of ‘good’ to the county’s force.

The report revealed that, when a crime occurs, the force acts quickly and carries out high quality investigations.

But, while ranking ‘good’ in most areas, it was said to need improvement in helping vulnerable people and in supporting victims.

It said the force’s initial response to support vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, as well as missing children, is good.

But frontline officers’ and police staff’s knowledge of child sexual exploitation needs to improve.

Kent had the lowest charge rate in England and Wales for domestic abuse but the report recognises the force has invested more resources in tackling this issue as well as missing persons and child exploitation, and was working to improve its services.

Knowledge of how to identify the risk factors associated with child sexual exploitation among frontline officers and police staff was limited.

It comes after Kent Police was the only force out of 43 in the country ranked as “outstanding”.

Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes said: “I’m again very pleased indeed that HMIC has judged Kent Police to be good at reducing crime and keeping people safe.

“This is especially comforting in our very large and very diverse county. Again, I must commend the Chief Constable, his officers and staff – and the many volunteers who support them – for all of the hard work that led to this hat-trick of great results.”

Zoe Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector for the Eastern Region, said: “I am very pleased that the force priorities reflect its clear commitments to supporting victims, working with partners, keeping people safe from crime and anti-social behaviour and ensuring visible, community policing is at the heart of Kent Police.”

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