Overseeing your policing

It's our job to make sure that Kent Police are value for money and provide the best possible service. Specifically we:

• provide Kent Police with the staff, buildings, equipment and facilities they need
• appoint the Chief Constable and senior officers.
• make sure community views and priorities determine the policing of Kent and Medway
• hold the Chief Constable accountable for the management of Kent Police

As the Kent Police Authority is distinct and separate from the force it also has its own business plan and risk register. 

How does Kent Police Authority work?

• set objectives and targets for Kent Police (published in a Policing Plan)
• set the budget for Kent Police (we decide how much money Kent Police have to spend on staff, equipment, vehicles, buildings and facilities)
• decide how much council tax people in Kent and Medway pay towards their police force
• monitor the performance of Kent Police 
• communicate Kent Police's performance back to the community
• make sure Kent Police observe high standards of conduct and respond properly to complaints
• represent Kent's interests to central government and national agencies

Find out about the top ten things you didn't know about Police Authorities.

Kent Police Authority, the Home Office & Kent Police

The three organisations of Kent Police Authority, the Home Office and Kent Police work together to ensure that your police keep you safe. This tripartite system maintains the balance of power between each group.

The Association of Police Authorities

Kent Police Authority are one of 43 police authorities in England and Wales, plus an additional authority for British Transport Police. All police authorities are members of the Association of Police Authorities.