A new initiative launched last week will see officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) joining Kent Police in patrolling Lydd and New Romney.
The CNC, which has responsibility for the protection of civil nuclear sites and has jurisdiction over the area surrounding the site in Dungeness, will work with Kent Police’s local teams to create joint patrols in the district.
An officer from each force will pair up to respond to calls received by Kent Police, as well as undertaking both routine and pro-active patrols. It is hoped that CNC officers will enhance their policing skills while Kent Police gain a greater range of resources to keep the county safe.
Many CNC officers are trained medics and can provide initial emergency care if required, and to support this initiative funding has been acquired through the Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Partnership, to provide first responder medical equipment.
Kent Police district commander for Ashford, Folkestone, and Hythe, Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes, said: “We are excited to welcome our colleagues from the CNC to work directly alongside us to keep Kent safe. Working together can only enhance the service we already provide to our communities in Lydd and New Romney. It also means some of the more rural areas of the district will benefit from additional first responders on patrol.”
Inspector Andy Oatham, operational unit commander at Dungeness Power Station, said: “We have worked closely with Kent Police for a number of years, however, this initiative will give our officers a chance to widen their policing experience, whilst ensuring that our primary and critical role of protecting the national infrastructure from any threat is maintained.”
Image Credits: Kent Police .