Ask the Chief

As part of a regular feature, Chief Constable Michael Fuller responds to questions and concerns raised by members of the public about policing in Kent.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Chief Constable
• Kent Police
• Michael Fuller

[Zildjian285]

I also wanted to say that it's great to see Kent police is starting to use more technology to cut paperwork. I think it will help greatly and save officers having to go back to their offices to complete paperwork.

I hope all front line officers will be given this technology.

I'd also like to know what is happening about taser guns. Will they be given out to front line officers in Kent in the next few years?

[Zildjian285]

I have a feeling that Michael Fuller seems to be ignoring the comments by the public about PCSO's.

It's very clear that they are extremely unpopular and offer little or no reassurance.

I personally think of them as traffic wardens, they look similar and can only hand out tickets.

All 3 of the members of public that were interviewed said they thought PCSO's were a waste - I think it's time to listen to us, Michael. Start listening to what the public of Kent want and stop ignoring us.

[Zildjian285]

I also think that ALL police officers should have to spend at least 1-2 hours of their shift walking the streets. It's not much to ask and it would make such a huge difference.

[Zildjian285]

As a life long Kent resident myself I can tell you some things I'd like to see.

1. More police on the streets (I don't mean PCSO's, but police constables with power of arrest. Criminals are simply not afraid of PCSO's).

2. Less paperwork so the police can spend more time on the streets preventing crime instead of simply responding to crime.

3. More civilian roles in the police to help deal with the overwhelming amounts of paperwork. Most officers joined to actually tackle crime, not tick boxes.