The Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to discuss the Winter of Action initiative and the findings of the HMICFRS PEEL inspection of Kent Police. The panel noted the significant efforts made during the Winter of Action initiative to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and reviewed the positive outcomes of the PEEL inspection, which found Kent Police to be performing well across most areas, with no areas requiring improvement or being inadequate.

Winter of Action Initiative

The panel received a report on the Winter of Action Initiative (WoAI), a national campaign that ran from December 2025 to January 2026. The initiative aimed to sustain the momentum of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative and adapt to seasonal pressures in town centres, focusing on retail crime, street crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and night-time economy safety.

Kent Police identified 31 town centres and retail areas across the county for focused activity. The report detailed significant efforts in tackling ASB and serious violence, including hotspot policing, proactive patrols, and multi-agency operations. Specific examples included interventions in Dover to address street drinking, enforcement activity in Tonbridge against nuisance vehicles, and extensive patrols in Gillingham. The initiative also saw a strong contribution from the Special Constabulary, with numerous vehicles seized and traffic offence reports issued.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) remained a core priority, with activities such as Project Vigilant and Operation Pilot disrupting predatory behaviour. The Ask for Angela campaign messaging was reinforced in licensed venues, and VAWG education was delivered to young people. Community engagement and partnership work were highlighted as crucial to the initiative's success, with joint deployments with British Transport Police and collaboration with local authorities and businesses.

Retail and business crime was also a key focus. Kent Police maintained efforts to tackle persistent offenders and support local businesses. Initiatives included joint patrols with street ambassadors, proactive engagement with retailers, and the rollout of Selecta DNA forensic marking sprays. Operation Odin in Canterbury and Whitstable led to arrests and charges for prolific offenders.

Councillor Perry Cole raised concerns about the Ask for Angela campaign, noting that despite years of effort, it had not yet become fully ingrained in the industry. He also inquired about support for retail staff who intervene in incidents and asked about plans for smaller-scale operations targeting rural communities. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, acknowledged the challenge of staff turnover in the industry and the need for ongoing engagement. He expressed disappointment in companies that had sacked staff for intervening in shoplifting incidents and highlighted the support available through Victim Support. Regarding rural crime, Mr. Scott confirmed his intention to run another Rural Safer Streets initiative this year.

Councillor Sarah Hudson shared her daughter's experience as a Sainsbury's manager in Whitstable, illustrating the high daily figures of shoplifting and the store's policy of protecting staff over pursuing shoplifters. The discussion also touched upon the potential causes of rising shoplifting, with the belief that it is largely drug-related, with a significant organised crime element, though cost of living and opportunism were not entirely dismissed.

HMICFRS PEEL Inspection 2025-27

The panel reviewed the findings of the HMICFRS PEEL inspection of Kent Police for the 2025-27 cycle. The inspection assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy of police forces. For the first time in three inspections, Kent Police received no requires improvement or inadequate gradings.

Kent Police was graded Outstanding for developing a diverse and inclusive workforce, and Good for leadership and force management, and for preventing and deterring crime. Areas graded Adequate included police powers and public treatment, responding to the public, investigating crime, safeguarding children and adults, managing fraud, and providing a safe custody environment.

The report highlighted positive practices such as the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing teams, the prevention of knife crime among young people, and the force's innovative approach to volunteers and special constables.

However, the inspection identified eight Areas for Improvement (AFIs). These included the need to record officers' rationales when using force and increase supervisory oversight, expand independent scrutiny of stop and search and use of force, and improve response times to calls for service. The force was also advised to ensure consistent assignment of crime outcome types, take appropriate action to reduce harm to vulnerable people, and have a consistent approach to identifying and safeguarding missing persons. Furthermore, the report recommended establishing effective governance for all fraud offences and ensuring the capacity to effectively review and support fraud investigations.

Councillor Mike Blakemore questioned the adequate grading for responding to the public, noting that while response times had improved, the report indicated that not all calls were attended quickly enough. The Commissioner assured the panel that work was ongoing to meet new Home Office targets for response times. Discussions also covered the management of fraud, with assurances that measures would be put in place to address governance structures, and the inconsistent approach to missing person investigations, which is being reviewed.

Councillor Perry Cole raised concerns about fraud and the vulnerability of those less digitally enabled, suggesting potential safeguards within the financial system. The Commissioner highlighted existing protocols and partnerships with banks to protect vulnerable customers, including the Herbert Protocol and the use of flagging systems for suspicious transactions.

Councillor Teresa Murray, unable to attend, sent congratulations on the positive aspects of the PEEL report but raised concerns about public perception of responsiveness and how the adequate elements would be addressed. The Commissioner confirmed that improvement plans would be put in place and scrutinised through the Performance and Delivery Board.

Other Items

The panel also noted the Annual Report of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel for 2025/26, which summarises the panel's work and its scrutiny of the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Work Programme for the upcoming period was also noted, with members invited to suggest additional items. Finally, the notes from the Performance and Delivery Board meeting held on 26 November 2025 were included for information.