Government inspectors have rated Kent Police as Good for Effectiveness at a time when UK forces are coming under ‘significant stress’.
Zoe Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector for Constabulary, praised the county’s ‘strong performance’ amid a wider warning that forces are over-stretched.
Effectiveness is one of three key-areas of inspection, which are made at different times, and Kent Police is also rated Good for Efficiency and Outstanding for Legitimacy.
Last week’s result also highlighted the pressure Kent Police is under with data showing call handlers dealt with 286 incidents last year, per 1,000 population, higher than the England and Wales average of 282.
Concerns
The county also saw 78 crimes recorded per 1,000 population, compared to the England and Wales average of 77.
Ms Billingham said: “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.”
Matthew Scott, Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] for Kent, also praised the result, although need for improvements were noted.
An inspector wrote: “The force should ensure that all investigations are completed to a consistently good standard and in a timely manner so that victims receive an appropriate level of service.”
