Kent PEEL 2014

Kent Police has seen an increase in recorded crime over the spending review, some of which is attributable to the change in the force’s crime-recording practices last year. Victim satisfaction is higher than with other forces. The force has a comprehensive understanding of demand and can show evidence for the steps it is taking to reduce the demands on its policing services. Through the use of its ‘pred pol’ programme the force directs patrols to areas where they will have the greatest impact in reducing crime. Its analysis of demand is being used to inform decisions about changes to the way local policing is provided.

Kent Police achieved 94 percent of its savings for the spending review a year early. Savings of £20.8m required in 2015/16 will be met from planned savings and the use of reserves. The force’s savings plans prioritise expenditure to provide visible local policing and a more victim-focused service. The force is in a position to defer any decisions to reduce police officer numbers until there is more clarity as to its funding beyond 2015. The force has undertaken detailed scenario planning for the future and has developed options to achieve savings that are scalable to meet a variety of potential future funding challenges beyond 2016.

Kent Police has a sophisticated workforce model that meets its needs and will support the force’s change in approach to minimise frontline officer reductions. Collaboration with Essex Police has contributed to early achievement of the savings in this spending review period; future plans include further opportunities to work together. Kent continues to focus on achieving non-pay savings; through collaborated procurement it has identified £3.5m of savings. The force is committed to providing effective local policing and, over the spending review, the force will increase its proportion of frontline crime-fighting roles.