Faster police response

Helen bringing together farmers and local police to improve rural 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

We need to make Faversham Rec safe for our children

I’m shocked by the recent stabbing in Faversham Rec.

My thoughts are with the boy who was attacked on Sunday afternoon and his family. As a mother, I can’t imagine anything worse than something like this happening to one of my children.

Report crime to keep people safe

I’m committed to helping people in Headcorn get better policing.

Last week, I hosted a virtual meeting with the police and local councillors for an update on work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the village.