Conclusion 

The respondents who completed this survey have made it clear that the new Chief Constable must show effective communication in his new role.  

They also perceive four priorities as being the most important: Response (attending emergencies), Neighbourhood policing, Welfare of officers and staff, and Crime investigation. When it comes to specific crimes, ‘Violence Against Women and Girls’, ‘Antisocial behaviour’, and ‘Gangs and County lines’ were the top priorities the respondents feel the Chief Constable should focus on.  

Most respondents agreed with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s priorities for Kent Police. ‘Preventing crime and antisocial behaviour’ and ‘Be visible and responsive to the needs of communities’ were the most popular answers.  

Overall, those who completed this survey felt slightly safer where they live compared to respondents in previous years. However, they feel less safe on the roads than they do in their neighbourhoods.  

Most respondents had not been a victim of crime in the last year but most of those who had been, were dissatisfied with the service they received from Kent Police. This sentiment was down to various reasons but mainly because they couldn’t get through on the phone, were waiting for updates on the case, or the crime outcome ended with ‘no further action’. 

All methods of reporting were used to report crime – with 101 and online reporting being the most used.  

The feedback on victim services was mildly better than Kent Police with an overall ‘neutral’ view rather than that of ‘dissatisfaction’. Only a third of victims stated they were referred to any form of support.  

Over half of respondents would be willing to pay more council tax (with half of these respondents stating that they would pay £15 more a year).  

Lastly, four crime types mattered most to respondents:  

Serious violence, including gangs/weapons offences, Sexual offences, including rape, Child sexual exploitation, and Burglary/Robbery.  

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to complete this survey. The feedback will assist the Police and Crime Commissioner in holding the new Chief Constable to account with regards to Kent Police’s performance and the priorities the force focuses on.