01 October 2010
Joint working between Essex Police and Kent Police was formalised on Thursday 30 September when both forces and police authorities signed agreements confirming the terms under which they will collaborate. The agreements cover the Serious Crime Directorate, IT Directorate and Procurement Services.
Essex Police and Kent Police were early adopters of a collaborative approach and started to formalise their relationship as far back as 2007. This included the intergration of the two force's marine units, air support and roads policing.
The addition of the three new areas of business (Serious Crime, IT and Procurement) comes at an important time in policing.
Both forces and authorities have issued the following joint statement:
'The police service as a whole is facing unprecedented budgetary cuts and we have to look creatively at how we go about our business. Collaboration is part of the solution for the future and the fact that we are so advanced in our working relationship is a testament to the passion, enthusiasm and forward thinking on both sides of the water.
'We will explore more opportunities to collaborate to ensure we continue to protect both our counties from harm and deliver the best possible police service.'