More about this area
The force says...
Kent Police serves a population of approximately 1.8 million people across a large geographic area consisting of multiple towns (some bordering London), rural areas and coastal towns along its 343 mile coastline. There is a mixture of wealthy communities alongside acute deprivation. Ambitious development plans exist; the new Ebbsfleet garden city will see the development of 15,000 homes and London Resort Company Holdings is developing a theme park, estimated to attract 40,000 visitors per day.
As the UK’s gateway to Europe, approximately 34 million passengers move through Kent annually. Freight vehicle movements average 10,000 per day along the second largest motorway network in the UK. With the addition of managing freight as a result of any industrial action in France, this is a significant policing commitment.
Kent’s proximity to Europe presents additional policing requirements; transient organised criminality including terrorism, drugs importation, people trafficking, slavery, economic migrants and asylum seekers are key challenges. Cross-border activity presents further demand; particularly London-based gangs establishing in some towns.
Kent Police has a mature collaboration with Essex Police providing joint serious crime investigation as well as support services. We work closely with partners at a county, unitary and district level, ensuring adult and child safeguarding and tackling child sexual exploitation. This includes an integrated multi-agency central referral unit as well as established community safety partnerships.
In 2016/17 the force dealt with 891,078 calls for service and recorded 131,607 crimes. Kent Police is working towards achieving a strength full time equivalent (FTE) of 3,453 police officers, 300 PCSOs and has a current strength FTE (as at 31 January 2018) of 2,148 members of police staff. This is supplemented by 288 members of the Special Constabulary and approximately 300 volunteers.
Kent Police has a gross budget of £325.3 million (£291.4 million net) of which £183.8m is funded from Police Grant.
Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Kent Police. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.