More Police For Kent

Ann Barnes says she wants to see 20 more police constables, 60 Police Community Support Officers and 18 new custody attendants recruited, and possibly in place by the end of June.

The new staff would equate to six uniformed officers/PCSOs on the beat per district.

But to pay for them there would need to be a small rise in the part of our council tax which goes towards the police. This would mean an average household would pay £2.79p more a year, or 5p a week (less than a penny a day).

Mrs Barnes is starting a two week consultation on the plans to get the views of stakeholders and the public.

She said: "I’ve been listening to the people and businesses of Kent who time and time again say they want to see a more visible police presence on their streets and in their neighbourhoods.

"The message is loud and clear and I am delighted to be able to respond to the public’s requests. I believe this delivers what people want and I’m sure they will tell me their views.’
 
Kent Chief Constable, Ian Learmonth said: ‘I welcome this consultation on increasing the funds for policing in Kent.  This is one of the safest places to live in the country, and this decision will help ensure we keep it that way, with neighbourhood policing at the heart of what we do." 

The consultation to increase police resources follows the Commissioner’s pledge, as part of her manifesto promises, to keep a relentless focus on cutting crime and catching criminals as well as providing greater police visibility.
 
Mrs Barnes added: ‘I’m really looking forward to working with the Chief Constable and his team during the next few months to make sure taxpayers get the best results possible from paying less than a ‘copper’ a day to fund nearly 100 uniformed posts.’