Kent Police is good at keeping people safe and reducing crime

Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the news that independent inspectors have again found Kent Police to be good at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
 
Matthew Scott was commenting on the latest report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into Kent Police’s effectiveness.
 
He said:

‘These judgements are a useful tool in assisting me in holding the Chief Constable to account. Mr Pughsley speaks proudly of the fact that his force is among the best in the land and HMICFRS’ latest report provides further weight to that statement.’

HMICFRS praised Kent Police for attending incidents promptly, carrying out thorough investigations and generally providing victims of crime with a good service with regular updates as those investigations progress.
 
Kent Police’s response when dealing with vulnerable victims of crime, and the support it offers to people with mental health conditions was also commended.
 
Mr Scott added:

‘One of the guiding principles of my Safer in Kent Plan is that people suffering mental ill health need the right care from the right person so I am pleased the mental health triage scheme and Mind counsellors based in the Force Control Room – funded by my office – are having a positive impact.’

HMI Zoe Billingham said:

‘It is good to see that Kent Police continues to work well with local authorities and charities to support and safeguard victims. I am especially impressed with the work the force is doing to support people with mental health conditions, finding new and innovative ways to work with partners so people in mental health crisis can get the proper care and treatment they need.’

She added:

‘Kent Police should be commended for another strong performance in our effectiveness inspection this year. I know that the force is not complacent and that it strives to achieve continuous improvement in the way that it serves and protects communities across Kent.’

Chief Constable of Kent, Alan Pughsley said:

‘I am pleased that for the third year running Kent Police has been graded as good for the way we keep people safe and reduce crime. It is testament to the outstanding work my staff have delivered over one of the most testing periods in recent history. 
 
‘It is particularly pleasing that changes we have made to our policing model have had a positive impact on the way we protect vulnerable people. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) have also recognised the good service we provide to all victims of crime and the effective way we work with partner agencies.
 
‘Although this report is positive we will not become complacent in our approach. Where areas have been identified for improvement I am confident that we work to achieve this and continue to provide a first class service to the people of Kent.’

HMICFRS’ report is the third of three reports which make up its Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection for 2017. It had previously graded Kent Police as good for efficiency and outstanding for legitimacy.

Kent Police was also graded outstanding or good in every PEEL inspection in 2016 and 2015.
Mr Scott added:

‘Where areas for improvement have been identified, I will seek assurances from the Chief Constable that progress is being made at my regular Performance and Delivery Board.’