Faster police response

A huge part of feeling safe is about help being there when you need it, but in recent years many of our rural communities have felt let down by police response times.

With 20,000 more officers on our streets since 2019, it’s time to put that right. I’m working with local councillors, police, and our Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott to bring these response times down across the constituency.

After a series of roundtables I hosted earlier this year, Kent Police agreed to add rural crime to their Control Strategy for the first time, as well as giving every ward in the county its own named officer. This neighbourhood policing model should be up and running by the start of next year, and will mean local communities always having someone they can call on if needed. 

The Rural Crime Taskforce has also been expanded, 101 call are being answered faster, and Kent Police have hired 300 more officers to local policing teams.

But there's still more to do, and it's not just rural areas who need police on hand to help quickly. Click on the links below to find out what I've been up to, and please do get in touch to report any issues you've had with response times. 

That way we can make sure things keep on improving.

News

Action to make Pilgrims Way safer

We are lucky in Kent to be surrounded by wonderful countryside, and I know how important access to it is for people’s health and wellbeing. That’s why I’ve been concerned by reports about off-road vehicles using sections of the Pilgrims and North Downs way illegally.

Making our country roads safer

I know people in Headcorn are worried about the safety of roads around the village. I recently hosted a virtual roundtable meeting of local councillors, Kent Police, and Kent Highways for an update on action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour around Headcorn. While overall reports of crime

My surgery meetings in 2022

As your local MP, my job is to make life better for people in Faversham and Mid Kent. Part of that work involves taking up problems on behalf of local residents. It might be helping to get a dangerous telegraph pole removed, securing funding to fix painfully slow broadband speeds, or chasing up a

Record numbers of police in Kent

I’m delighted that there are now 3,971 police officers across Kent helping to keep us safe. This is 242 more officers since September 2019, and 184 more officers than 2010. Thank you to each and every one for their extraordinary efforts in serving communities across Kent – especially during t

Plans taking shape for Shepway redevelopment

Earlier this year I welcomed plans to redevelop part of Shepway in Maidstone. The proposals announced by Golding Homes would see Cambridge Crescent turned into 240 new homes, an updated shopping area, and new public spaces. Last week I met local councillors – including the Lead

Have your say on Shepway regeneration plans

Plans have been unveiled to regenerate part of Shepway in Maidstone. Under the proposals announced by Golding Homes, Cambridge Crescent would be redeveloped to include 240 new homes, an updated shopping area, and new public spaces. Getting investment in new housing and facilities is good news for

Funding boost to tackle serious violence in Kent

Kent Police are getting an extra £637,000 to tackle serious violent crime, including knife crime and murder. This is a part of a £130.5 million funding package announced to tackle serious violent crime across England and Wales, making our communities safer.  I’m pleased Kent is one of 18 poli

Another boost to policing numbers in Kent

Efforts to increase the number of police officers in Kent have taken another step forward with plans for an extra 145 officers by March 2022. The plans are part of Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott’s, budget proposal for 2021/22. The extra officers will help with crime investigatio

More police officers on the way in Kent

Kent Police is getting a funding boost to help keep our communities safe and tackle crime. Thanks to the increase in the national police budget, Kent Police will be getting an extra £19.5 million next financial year. Our Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has welcomed the Government’s a

Charities in Faversham and Mid Kent get funding boost

I’m glad that several local charities in Faversham and Mid Kent have received almost £140,000 from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund. Charities and volunteer groups are playing a crucial role in getting help to people who most need it during this pandemic. From mutual aid groups