Kent residents ‘feel safer’ as neighbourhood officers increase in communities

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Every ward in Kent has received a dedicated neighbourhood officer in the last year, with the public reporting improvements in feelings of safety.

That is according to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott's annual report across 2025 and 2026.

It brings together the actions of Matthew Scott and his office in targeting his current Police and Crime Plan which aims to protect people, places and property, alongside working with partner agencies to make real differences in communities.

One of the key ways residents have seen improvements is through the deployment of more neighbourhood officers.

It is these individuals who help to increase visibility, engage, and look at preventative activity in a bid to make the streets a safer place for all.

The successful ramp up of visible policing has ensured that residents’ prime concern of personal safety has been actioned positively. This started with the Force’s new Neighbourhood Policing Model in 2023.

In last year’s Police and Crime Plan Survey respondents placed personal safety at high importance. They also wanted to see more visible policing in the fight against crime and antisocial behaviour.

People also reported improved feelings of safety and trust in Kent Police compared to previous years.

In the report, Matthew Scott said: 

“My Annual Policing Survey is one of the most important mechanisms for continuing to understand residents' perceptions of crime, safety and policing.

“The findings will continue to inform my scrutiny of policing performance and help to identify opportunities for further improvement. It will also provide an important measure of public confidence and trust, both of which remain central objectives of the Plan.”

PCC Matthew Scott holds the Chief Constable Tim Smith to account, represents the voice of the public, sets the Kent Police budget and looks at policing priorities – including scrutinising police performance.

Matthew Scott added: 

“I am delighted more people can visibly see the great work Officers, staff and volunteers are doing.

"Having visible officers on our streets is so important in tackling crime, but also making people feel safer. It’s my job to ensure everyone’s voices are heard – and that shortcomings are faced head-on to improve the quality of policing.

“The hard work does not stop here. The partnerships we have created, and the ongoing, dedicated, work of my office ensure victims are supported and feel satisfied with the level of support received.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Annual Report is publicly available in full on the OPCC’s website – press here to find out more.

Matthew Scott is available for interviews. Email [email protected].