Matthew Scott updates Safer in Kent: The Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Matthew Scott has updated his Police and Crime Plan, the paper which sets out what Kent Police must do to make us Safer in Kent.
Mr Scott's plan - Safer in Kent: The Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan - also states what he will do as the Police and Crime Commissioner. That includes enhancing the services he provides for victims of crime and seeking further opportunities to collaborate with other organisations.
'My Police and Crime Plan was first published last year but has now been refreshed for spring 2018 to bring it up-to-date and ensure it continues to reflect what local people have told me is important to them.
'For example, I have inserted a specific requirement for the Chief Constable to deliver a police service which is not only efficient but accessible too. This is in response to the fact that residents have often raised with me concerns around the availability of the 101 non-emergency number. I know some progress has already been made and hopefully my investment in more Force Control Room call-handlers and the increased popularity of the force's online crime reporting tool will help.'
When consulting with the public throughout the second half of 2017, Mr Scott found child sexual exploitation, anti-social behaviour and sexual offences continued to rank among their top concerns. As such, although the plan has been tweaked, it has not altered fundamentally and the broad strategic priorities Mr Scott set last year have not changed.
His own ambitions and objectives, particularly in relation to mental health, as well as his overall vision for policing and community safety in the county also remain at its core.
'I commend Kent Police on continuing to do a great job but at the same time there is always room for improvement.
'As PCC, I've also promised to explore how technology can be used to better support crime prevention, and I'm keen to develop diversion schemes that help support suspects who have been arrested, and people at risk of arrest, to reduce offending.'