Kent Police supports and develops its workforce to an ‘outstanding level’, says police inspectorate

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Kent Police’s performance across eight areas of policing and found the force was also ‘good’ at leadership and force management, and preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, and reducing vulnerability.

Inspectors also commented on how the force has improved its control room performance since the last inspection as well as effectively tackling knife crime and improving its positive outcomes for victims of crime.

However, inspectors found more needs to be done to support vulnerable victims and investigate offences of fraud.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “I am pleased with several aspects of the performance of Kent Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service. Since our last inspection, the force has improved how it attracts, develops and retains its workforce. It has also strengthened how it responds to the public and investigates crime.

“However, I have identified areas the force should continue to focus on, including how it records and reviews its use of police powers and how it protects people who are at risk of harm.”

He said the force has strong governance and a stable chief officer team. Leaders consult the workforce to shape strategic plans and hold themselves accountable through a clear and detailed performance framework.

“The force supports and develops its workforce to an outstanding level,” Mr Wilsher said. “It has an effective approach to well-being and inclusivity in its culture. The force provides high-quality training to staff, officers and volunteers, and it continually improves this training through feedback. Special constables are fully integrated, receive proper training and have clear opportunities to develop and progress.

“This approach has increased recruitment, retention and morale.”

Inspectors found officers use body-worn video effectively, and the force is testing live-streaming technology. Training and feedback help officers improve how they use stop and search and use of force powers.

However, Mr Wilsher said the force should make sure that officers record clear reasons when they use force. It must also expand independent scrutiny of both stop and search and use of force.

“Neighbourhood policing teams identify community problems and use problem-solving plans to tackle ongoing crime and reduce anti-social behaviour,” he added. “The force is effectively tackling knife crime and has worked closely with schools to introduce a knife replacement scheme. It also uses learning programmes to steer children away from crime and prevent reoffending. Recently, the force has increased the number of officers in neighbourhood policing.”

The force has also improved its control room performance. It now answers emergency calls more quickly and has reduced the number of non-emergency callers who abandon calls due to delays.

“The force successfully manages repeat demand and receives fewer non-emergency calls than most forces in England and Wales,” Mr Wilsher said. “However, it regularly misses attendance time targets and should improve how quickly officers attend calls for service.”

Inspectors found the force has increased positive outcomes for victims of crime and has a strong focus on victim care. It uses victims’ needs assessments effectively. However, HMICFRS said the force needs to improve how it supervises investigations, especially when closing cases. It should also record the correct outcome when finalising investigations.

“This is an enduring issue and an area for improvement found in our last inspection,” Mr Wilsher said.

Inspectors found the force has increased its use of preventative orders in domestic abuse cases and collaborates well with partners, such as social services, health providers and education, to protect people at risk of harm. However, it needs to improve how it identifies and prioritises vulnerable people for referral to other agencies.

“The force also needs to respond more consistently when locating and safeguarding missing people,” Mr Wilsher said.

“The force works with partners through multi-agency fraud panels to protect the public. Its prevent and protect team gives advice to fraud victims. However, the force should strengthen its governance so it can fully understand and resource fraud offences.

“I am optimistic that Kent Police will continue to make improvements. I have given the force specific recommendations that set out the areas it needs to focus on, and I will continue to monitor performance.”

Kent police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott said: “I welcome the findings of this report that evidences the progress Kent Police has made over the past couple of years. It is continuously improving the service that it delivers to residents and businesses, and that is reflected in the commentary and gradings. Our investment in neighbourhood policing is paying dividends, with more neighbourhood officers than ever providing communities with a visible and accessible presence, and the contact centre is now one of the best performing in the country.  The force also has strong governance, supports and develops its workforce to an outstanding level, and has increased positive outcomes for victims of crime.

“I acknowledge that there are still some areas for improvement, which I know that Kent Police has already started to address. I will monitor these closely through my accountability meetings, so that services to the public continue to get better.

“I commend the officers, staff and volunteers for all that they are doing to cut crime, support victims and build trust.”