Home Secretary: Kent keeps its own police force

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced that Kent should have its own strategic police force and will not have to merge with neighbouring counties to create a south eastern 'super force'.

He broke the news at a meeting yesterday with chief constables and police authority chairs from across the south east, including Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority, and Chief Constable Michael Fuller.

In making his decision Mr Clarke recognised the unique position of the county as the gateway to Europe and the ability of Kent Police to provide policing at both very local and strategic levels.

Mrs Barnes said:

"We have always believed that this is the right decision for the policing of Kent and we were confident in our strong case for the county to continue to have its own police force.

"I am sure everyone will agree that this is the best result for Kent, in terms of cost and our ability to deliver a highly effective policing service.

"We are very grateful for the support for our case from people and organisations around the county."

The Home Secretary's decision comes at the end of a six-month process, following publication of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's Closing the Gap report on 13 September last year.

Following that, the police authority and force had to develop their case to the future. The case for a stand-alone force successfully got through all three stages of the review process before the Home Secretary made his final decision.