It’s good news that Kent is getting 147 more police officers next year as part of a recruitment drive by the Home Office.
This builds on the work being done by Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, to recruit 450 more police officers in the county.
This latest announcement from the Home Office means we will have 3,779 police officers in Kent by March 2021 – 597 more officers and an increase of 19 per cent on 2016 numbers.
Too many communities continue to be blighted by anti-social behaviour. More police is not the only answer – but extra officers should make people feel safer and more secure on our streets, as well as having a real impact on reducing crime.
I know we have struggled with police numbers in Kent in recent years. The police have done a fantastic job serving Kent during a difficult time. But as we get the economy back on track, it’s right we invest in our police.
These new officers must to be in places people need them. This must include a strong rural crime team as well as a visible police presence in towns like Faversham and Maidstone and known trouble spots.
