HMICFRS are the independent inspectors of policing. They examine every Force on key issues, and do topical reviews of important matters to compare the policing response.
Kent has had it’s annual inspection, looking at efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy. This year’s report had some positive aspects to it. They were again outstanding at recording crime and good at prevention, value for money, protecting the workforce and engagement with the public.
However, there are some areas for improvement. The approach to protecting vulnerable people was just adequate. And disappointingly, investigation, offender management and response “require improvement”.
I have met with both the Chief and Deputy Chief Constable about these issues and the Force response. There is an improvement plan being put in place and a number of actions have already been taken, including the introduction of rapid video technology, dedicated domestic abuse liaison officers and proactive targeting of perpetrators.
I will hold the Chief Constable to account for the improvement plan at my in public meetings so that you can see transparently what is happening and the questions being asked.
What I will add is that there was an awful lot of positive work that the Force does do on burglary, robbery and county lines, which wasn’t covered and so they did not get the credit for. Well done to the Officers and Staff involved in these positive pieces of work and the good practice that what discovered by the inspection. You can read the report
here.
