Press releases

Councillors unanimously approve Budget Proposal

Matthew Scott's proposal accepted by Police and Crime Panel

PCC proposes his budget for 2023 to 2024

Plan announced aimed at protecting the police service

PCC awards £1 million contract to Victim Support

Improved victim services for Kent and Medway

Tim Smith officially appointed Chief Constable of Kent Police

PCC and new Chief Constable sign contracts

PCC proposes Tim Smith as new Chief Constable for Kent

Current Temporary Chief Constable preferred candidate

PCC writes to Government supporting a tough stance on drug use.

PCC supports tougher action on drugs.

PCC asks what the public wants in a new Chief Constable

What would you like the new Chief to focus on?

PCC launches Report into Violence Against Women and Girls in Kent

The results of the PCC's 10 month Inquiry

PCC secures more than £1.4m to improve safety in Kent and Medway towns

Safer Streets initiative extended to cover more areas

PCC extends successful Mini Cadet School programme

The popular mini cadet initiative will continue in Kent

Pupils pledge to promote safety

The VRU facilitate knife crime commitment pledge at local School

PCC accuses the Met of trying to poach Kent Police Officers

Read here to find out what else the PCC said

999 call answering times and the Officer Verification Scheme

Updates from the Performance and Delivery Board

New Service to Tackle County Lines Launched in Kent

PCC announces Catch22 provision for Kent

PCC welcomes promise of more judges for Kent

More judiciary promised to ease the backlog.

PCC statement on HMICFRS report on Kent Police

Read the Commissioner's statement here

PCC unveils new Police and Crime Plan

New priorities set for Kent Police over next 3 years

PCC secures over £5m to fund Violence Reduction Unit

More money to make our streets safer

Chief Constable reviews night time patrols following PCC women and girls survey

More patrols at night where people feel unsafe

Illegal e scooters can cause fires says PCC

Fires caused by illegal e scooters triple in a year

PCC welcomes prison investment for Kent

Police Budget Approved

Councillors agree PCC's budget proposal

Nightingale Court extended

An additional 18 months to help ease court delays

Kent PCC budget plan to make Force fit for the future.

Statement from the PCC, Matthew Scott about his budget plan

Violence Against Women and Girls Survey results released

Find out what you said in our poll

PCC welcomes life sentence for David Fuller

Whole life sentence for double murderer and mortuary offender

PCC launches White Ribbon Day

He says all men should stand up against violence against women.

Male Victims of Stalking need to report cases to police

Data show men less likely to come forward if they're stalked

Children say Cyber Bullying Awareness scheme works

Survey shows more children will report online bullying

PCC wins funding to improve safety in town centres for women.

More money to make streets in Ashford and Medway safer for all

David Fuller Case

Kent PCC statement on the David Fuller Case

2021 Police and Crime Plan Survey

Have your say: PCC launches survey to find out how safe women and girls feel in Kent

PCC launches survey about violence against women and girls.

Funding secured for innovative rehabilitation programmes for domestic abuse and stalking offenders.

Funding for rehabilitation schemes for domestic abuse offenders

PCC launches inquiry into VAWG crimes

Over the next 6 months, Mr Scott will embark on a VAWG inquiry

PCC calls for pay rise for police officers and staff

PCC writes to government asking for a review of a pay freeze

Knife Crime Awareness Bus launched

Anti knife art competition bus takes to the streets

PCC targets fly-tipping in month long rural campaign

PCC targets fly-tipping in month long rural campaign

Kent Police and OPCC Draft Statement of Accounts 2020/21 published

Kent Police and OPCC draft statement of accounts 2020/21

PCC asks Chief Constable if violence against women is priority for the Force.

PCC asks if Force treats violence against women as a priority.

PCC welcomes Kent's first Mini Cadets to the police family!

PCC welcomes Kent's first Mini Cadets to the police family!

Nearly £770,000 for Safer Streets

PCC welcomes Nightingale Court for Kent

PCC welcomes Nightingale Court for Kent

Matthew Scott wants e scooter trial expansion to stop!

E-scooter trials should be halted

PCC receives £1.3 million to help victims

The PCC has secured an increase in Government funding

More money to prevent youth violence

The VRU has received further funding

Matthew Scott wins second term as PCC

Matthew Scott wins second term as PCC

Kent's businesses don't report all crime to the police, even though most experience it.

PCC's Business Crime Survey Results.

More funding for Kent's Violence Reduction Unit

Kent given nearly £1.8m in government grant to tackle violence.

Money back for Kent Police, following Christmas border closures.

Government reimbursement for Border Closures

Transparency Award for the Fifth Year running

Kent's OPCC wins highest transparency award by monitoring body.

Kent’s police budget approved by Kent & Medway Police and Crime Panel

Kent & Medway Police and Crime Panel agree budget

Matthew Scott supports a new task force to tackle problems affecting communities from the policing precept of your council tax

New PCSO taskforce launched

PCC budget will see Police numbers continue to rise to unprecedented levels

PCC budget will see Police numbers continue to rise

Smart motorways should be reviewed

Kent's PCC says smart motorways are unsafe

Annual Policing Survey 2020

Matthew Scott is asking Kent residents for their views

Matthew Scott backs a separate and bespoke strategy to end intimate violence of men and boys

PCC backs a strategy to end violence against men and boys

PCC thanks funded services for their hard work

The hard work put in by victim services has continued

Bosses invited to tell PCC about business crime

Survey responses will capture views about policing and crime

Your chance to have your say on road safety

Matthew Scott encourages residents across Kent to complete survey

PCC extends Chief Constable of Kent Police contract

Alan Pughsley will continue to lead Kent Police until 2025

500 life-saving emergency trauma packs being distributed across Kent

VRU-funded roll-out is believed to be a 'UK first'

Domestic abuse victims seeking urgent help from services funded by the PCC

Matthew Scott held a panel discussion with victims charities

Number of Kent Police officers now exceeds 2010 level

Figures show officer numbers reached 3,800 at the end of June

£111,000 investment in Gillingham to make local streets safer

Matthew Scott is receiving £111,005 from the Safer Streets Fund

PCC’s investment bearing fruit as crime falls by 5% in Kent

ONS data reports 9,392 fewer crimes in Kent than in 2018/19

Kent’s 101 call waiting times fall significantly after investment from the PCC

Non-emergency calls are now typically answered in under a minute

Almost £700,000 awarded to charities in light of lockdown

The money is to help provide services in response to Covid-19

'Like most, I have been reflecting...'

Matthew Scott penned a special blog following recent BLM protests

Matthew Scott and Chief Constable discuss rises in domestic abuse

PCC held his Performance and Delivery Board virtually on 3 June

Kent Police and the OPCC's draft Statement of Accounts 2019/20 published

Public able to inspect and challenge the accounts until 16 July

Covid-19: PCC invites Kent charities to bid for money to help victims of abuse

Mr Scott has up to £624,000 from the Ministry of Justice to award

Covid-19: PCC reiterates call for those who spit at officers to be locked up

There have been 104 incidents in Kent in the last nine weeks

Covid-19: ICVs making video calls to check on detainees' welfare

Volunteers using technology to adhere to social distancing rules

Data shows crime in Kent fell by more than 4,000 incidents in 2019

Matthew Scott welcomes data which shows crime in Kent fell by 2%

Covid-19: PCC backs campaign to protect key workers

Matthew Scott condemns those who assault those keeping us safe

Covid-19: A message from the PCC

'Thank you to all of those working in our emergency services'

Matthew Scott delivers on his promise to increase police officer numbers

Kent Police to have 550 more officers, compared with spring 2016

New stalking advocate to provide specialist support to victims

Victim Support has developed an enhanced service at PCC's request

Government awards Kent with £123,000 to fund 150 Tasers

News comes in the same week Kent received £1.1m of surge funding

Keeping Medway safe is at the heart of new task force

Partnership stemmed from the PCC's Violence Reduction Challenge

Safer Internet Day: PCC visits tour teaching pupils about the dangers of over-sharing online

5,000 young people will see his 'Is It Worth It?' tour this month

Unanimous approval for PCC's transformational budget

Matthew Scott met 100 new officers, and will be funding 181 more

Community policing and crime prevention to receive significant boost

Matthew Scott announces budget and precept plan for 2020/21

Kent’s PCC: ‘Crime data shows additional police officers are having a positive impact’

Overall recorded crime in Kent falls by 3.1%

Kent teen turning his life around thanks to Matthew Scott and St Giles Trust

Police Custody Liaison Scheme has helped over 70 young people

PCC updates Home Secretary and Policing Minister on recruitment plans

Topics discussed included recruitment and a Police Covenant

Supporting male victims of physical and emotional abuse

On International Men's Day, PCC praises Dads Unlimited and Davss

PCC's Cyber-Bullying Survey 2019

Matthew Scott wants to hear your experiences of online abuse

Kent PCC Matthew Scott welcomes Home Office plan to toughen legislation on unlawful encampments

Police could get new powers to tackle unauthorised caravan sites

New Kent Police town centre officers announced

PCC's precept has funded an additional 38 dedicated officers

Actions needed to better identify and support victims with mental health problems

PCC asked Victim Support to look at where services could improve

Matthew Scott delighted that Kent is receiving funding for 147 more police officers

Government confirms first allocations of 20,000 new officers

Kent's new VRU will provide help for young people affected by knife crime

PCC successful in applying to the Home Office for more than £1.1m

Statement on Tunbridge Wells Police Station

Mr Scott responds to reports suggesting the site is to be sold

Kent Police growing faster than any force in England and Wales

New police workforce data shows Kent added 291 officers in a year

More young people to be warned against gang involvement thanks to PCC's Violence Reduction Fund

Projects have been awarded money to reduce violent crime

PCC launches his Annual Policing Survey for 2019

Matthew Scott is keen to hear the views of residents across Kent

Matthew Scott welcomes additional Government funding to tackle causes of serious violence in Kent

Home Office has allocated almost £1.7million to Kent

Faces of Kent's 'most wanted' displayed in Dartford shopping centre

PCC launches new initiative in shopping centre - a UK first

Matthew Scott welcomes commitment to end use of cells as a place of safety

He recommended the move in his APCC mental health lead role

Volunteers wanted to join nationally-recognised custody visiting scheme

The OPCC's ICV scheme checks on detainees in cells

Kent Police's 101 call performance praised by Policing Minister

Nick Hurd says 'Kent Police has shown what is possible'

PCC welcomes Government commitment to better protect police drivers

'Our brave police officers and staff deserve our protection'

Kent Police and the OPCC's draft Statement of Accounts 2018/19 published

Public able to inspect and challenge the accounts until 14 June

Matthew Scott: 'Kent Police is the best police force in the country'

PCC delighted with latest HMICFRS independent inspection report

NSPCC receives £50,000 from Victim Specialist Services Fund

'Letting the Future In' provides help for child victims of abuse

Spotting the signs of modern day slavery

Business leaders attended event on protecting vulnerable workers

£1m fund announced to tackle causes of violent crime

New fund, and Medway Task Force, announced after VRC

Policing Minister confirms extra £3.5million for Kent Police to manage EU Exit

Home Office has now provided the force with £4.3million

More Kent Police officers to be trained to use Taser

'Absolutely vital that we give officers the equipment they need'

A partnership approach is required to tackling violent crime

Speaking out in the wake of heightened interest in knife crime

Calls for improved response to violence and exploitation

PCC attended a summit on gangs hosted by Children's Commissioner

Diverting more young people from a life of drugs, exploitation and crime

PCC and Home Office announce £800,000 for the St Giles Project

Council tax 2019/20: Plan for 180 additional police officers approved

Kent Police to return to 96% of its peak officer strength

Matthew Scott talks local policing with local representatives

The PCC has recently met with Kent's MPs and parish councillors

PCC looking to enhance services in Kent for victims of crime and abuse

Groups can bid for up to £50,000 to support victims' recovery

Matthew Scott welcomes Kent Police being judged outstanding for accuracy of its crime recording

HMICFRS finds Kent Police records 96.6% of crime reported to it

Continuing the biggest recruitment drive in Kent Police’s history

PCC outlines plan for council tax precept in 2019/20

PCC-funded online safety tours return to schools for 2018/19

Pupils urged to be kind online after 1 in 7 admits cyber-bullying

'Restorative Justice helped lift the spectre of my father being a monster'

How RJ can make a difference to victims and offenders

PCC's inaugural Blue Light Jobs Fayre hailed a huge success

Partners brought together to promote recruitment opportunities

Kent Police to move Deal front counter services to town centre

Ensuring estate is fit for purpose, and offers value for money

Meet Liz: Kent's specialist support worker for hate crime victims

Victim Support commissioned to provide core support services

Matthew Scott attends World Mental Health Day event

Conference looking at mental health in the workplace

PCC funds scheme which protects young people from county lines criminals

St Giles Trust pilot previously funded by the Home Office

First officers from Kent Police recruitment campaign begin service

New police officers are being recruited using precept increase

Maidstone cadets raise hundreds of pounds at charity run

Matthew Scott joined the 16 young volunteers in Mote Park

Call for the drug 'spice' to be reclassified from class B to class A

Mr Scott and PCCs call on Home Office to address concerns

Partners pledge to work together to tackle violent crime

First Violence Reduction Challenge advisory panel meeting held

Groups can apply now for up to £10,000 to make us Safer in Kent

PCC releases £100,000 from his budget to support local bids

Councillors enjoy 'constructive and informative meeting'

Matthew Scott talked local policing with parish councillors

Community safety leaders meet to discuss reducing violent crime

First Violence Reduction Challenge core steering group meeting

Crimestoppers' van visits Kent to raise awareness of 'county lines'

PCC: 'Help the police tackle this issue by reporting information'

How safe do you feel where you live?

Residents invited to complete the Annual Policing Survey

Medway joins Canterbury in declaring Zero Tolerance for sexual assaults

Pioneering project making Kent's night-time economy safer

Kent PCC Matthew Scott asks: ‘What is your experience of violent crime?’

Public asked to provide evidence for Violence Reduction Challenge

Funding for road safety initiatives welcomed

PCC: 'The Government’s investment will make our roads even safer'

PCC welcomes Government plan to help turn prisoners' lives around

Safer in Kent Plan includes a pledge to invest in schemes with re

Matthew Scott backs review of police pursuit laws

Government consulting on better legal protection for drivers

PCC's funding will save lives and increase well-being in our communities

Matthew Scott awards money from his Mental Health Fund

Mental Health Awareness Week: Reducing the demand on policing

'It's important to highlight those who are working so hard' - PCC

Council tax funds investment in additional 999 and 101 call-handlers

PCC welcomes drive by Kent Police to recruit control room staff

Matthew Scott congratulates Sajid Javid on becoming Home Secretary

The PCC has extended an invitation to Mr Javid to visit Kent

Almost £500,000 awarded to charities to support vulnerable victims of crime

VSS Fund provides extra help and care for vulnerable victims

Kent’s rural residents encouraged to have their say on crime where they live

National Rural Crime Network is seeking residents' views

Matthew Scott updates Safer in Kent: The Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan

The Plan is a statutory document which sets out Kent's priorities

Bracton Centre welcomes visit from Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner

Matthew Scott enjoyed a tour of the Oxleas NHS facility near Dart

Kent Police is good at keeping people safe and reducing crime

Matthew Scott comments on HMICFRS' effectiveness report

Kent Police launches hunt for up to 200 more police officers

Huge recruitment campaign launched thanks to PCC's investment

Do you have an idea which could cut policing's mental health demand?

Grants £20,000 are available from the PCC's Mental Health Fund

International Women's Day: PCC commends Kent Police on breaking the glass ceiling

More than half of Kent Police's Chief Superintendents are women

Help and support available for Armed Forces veterans in custody

PCC discussed plan to reduce re-offending with SSAFA last year

Kent Police to embark on biggest recruitment drive for a generation

Police & Crime Panel unanimously back PCC's council tax proposal

Sharing support and best practice on mental health across Eastern region

Matthew Scott and Cambridgeshire DCC Alan Baldwin hosted an event

Safer Internet Day 2018: Building a picture of cyber-bullying in Kent

Children from 900 schools invited to complete PCC's survey

PCC announces that Ashford Police Station is to be upgraded

Retaining and refurbishing the existing site deemed best option

Local councils get 10% extra funding to make people Safer in Kent

Matthew Scott announced extra £47,000 for CSPs at his Putting Vic

Helping Kent's farmers protect their property from thieves

Victim Support used PCC's grant to buy SmartWater kits

Boosting Kent’s frontline - up to 200 more Police Officers and 80 more staff

PCC outlines proposal to use council tax to boost recruitment