Kent and Essex launch collaboration project

Kent and Essex Police forces have launched a project with their local authorities to significantly improve the standard of the policing service for the benefit of the public.

Briefings held in both Kent and Essex were attended by senior staff representatives from both forces. During the conferences, aims outlined for the collaboration included increasing visible policing, delivering the best possible service to the public, maximising cost benefits and improving the use of resources.

Both forces have increased the number of officers on the street. This increase will continue during the course of the project in an attempt to achieve the aims outlined.

“The style of policing in Essex and indeed Kent is having a real focus on the visible policing and increasing the amount of officers policing the two counties,” said Roger Baker, chief constable of Essex Police.

A Joint Collaborative Committee has been established to push the project forward. It has recently received the news that the Home Office has supported a bid for additional funding for the project.

The project has no plans to merge the forces, which will maintain complete operational independence. Instead they will use the collaboration to share expertise and best practice.

Michael Fuller, chief constable of Kent Police said “This collaboration will undoubtedly improve our service to the communities we serve by increasing visible policing, and by reducing crime, nuisance and disorder”.