By Local Democracy Reporter Simon Finlay
Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott has launched an online survey to gauge public trust in the county’s force.
Mr Scott’s annual questionnaire will drill down into residents’ perceptions and experiences after a slew of negative headlines in recent years.
Respondents to the survey titled “Do You Trust Kent Police?” will remain anonymous.
The results will feed into Mr Scott’s quarterly performance and delivery boards, where he will challenge the newly-appointed Chief Constable Tim Smith about the performance of his force.
The commissioner is plain that he wants the unvarnished truth from taxpayers.
Mr Scott said: “We all know trust in the police generally has been severely tested over the last few years, with repeated stories of misconduct and criminal behaviour.
“I want to know whether you trust Kent Police and whether you think they respond well when you need them. Restoring and maintaining trust in the police is vital if the force is going to serve Kent effectively.”
He is seeking views on the “Community Remedy” to be implemented for some crimes like antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or some low-value thefts.
He added: “This includes options like mediation between the offender and the injured party, written or verbal apologies, or community service. We’re reviewing the procedure in Kent and would like to know what you think are the preferred solutions.”
The launch of the questionnaire has met with a mixed response across the county.
Thanet Labour county councillor Barry Lewis said: “The fact that Matthew Scott has to ask the question tells you the answer.”
Thanet South MP Craig Mackinlay said: “I know Matthew well and he likes to use his annual survey to test the public’s mood about certain issues that he knows are pertinent.
“We have a new senior management team at Kent Police and I hope it will be better than the last one. People have great misgivings about priorities. If you do 35mph in a 30mph zone they will pursue you to the ends of the earth.
“But if you call them about a group of youths hanging around outside your home, they are nowhere to be seen.”
Criminal lawyer Jag Takk, of Takk and Co in Maidstone, said: “Like any organisation, the integrity of the force will be affected by some officers. But to say that all police officers are untrustworthy would not be true.”
Conservative Maidstone county councillor Paul Cooper said police forces across the country have been hamstrung by bureaucracy and form-filling to the detriment of street visibility.
To take part in the survey, click onto:
