The Crime Commissioner says he has every confidence a newly-appointed Chief Constable can make improvements happen within Kent's police force.

Tim Smith was appointed to the role yesterday following a selection process led by commissioner Matthew Scott, who said Mr Smith has already begun tackling issues around 101 calls - with the percentage of calls going unanswered down to 25%, down from 50%.

The Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel at County Hall heard how Mr Smith was selected before approving his appointment.

Two candidates were put through the selection process which involved going out on the beat with officers and a mock media interview where each candidate was given a scenario to react to.

Mr Smith has been an officer in Kent and Essex for over 30 years, and he had previously been the deputy chief constable. He was appointed following the retirement of Alan Pughsley two months ago.

He said: "I made a commitment a long time ago to this county and policing. I turned down opportunities elsewhere.

"I've worked here pretty much my whole adult life, my family and friends live here, and I do deeply care about its policing service."

While members of the panel welcomed Mr Smith's appointment, some were critical of the current state of policing in the county.

Swale Borough councillor Richard Palmer (Ind), said: "I think people in Kent feel very let down by the police, particularly my residents; they feel that when they call the police - even on 999 - they're either kept waiting on the phone, they don't get a proper response.

"Or, if it's 101, they just often give up."

Leader of Gravesham Borough Council John Burden (Lab), said: "Lack of police engagement and the solution of problems in dealing with crime seems to be an issue here and Kent and I see that in my area.

"The engagement of police with the community doesn't happen, the response from the police doesn't happen, and the belief in the police has therefore been damaged accordingly."

'I think people in Kent feel very let down by the police'

Mr Smith's appointment came after the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary published a report in April which rated the force 'requires improvement' in three assessed areas, meaning the force is subject to an improvement plan.

The force is also currently consulting on a new neighbourhood policing review as it looks at ways to save £6.7 million. One of the measures being proposed is cutting 232 PCSOs.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Scott said: "I am very confident in Tim's abilities and his commitments to dealing with service improvement.

"In his time as Temporary Chief Constable, he has taken swift action to deal with the delays that we've seen in 101.

"The number of people who are hanging up before they're getting through, we've seen a reduction in that which is very welcome.

"Also, in other areas of the business where there has been a need for extra resources for response or investigation, he has acted swiftly in order to deal with those, so I am confident that he is the right person to take those improvements forward.

"In addition with the neighbourhood policing review, I think it will be as good as, if not better than what we've got now and I am confident he can deliver it."

Last month, it was revealed how police officers and staff had been pulled in from other duties to answer 101 calls to address the force's ongoing challenges in answering the calls.

The Chief Constable said: "In terms of our worst position at the start of October, sometimes it was as bad as 50% of calls that we were not answering in the time that I would like to see.

"That is now down to round about 25%. It needs to come down even more but what it means is, of course if you dial 999 and we will answer that phone and we will respond in an emergency (but) unfortunately the volume of contact into our control room and particularly via 101 has done nothing but increase year-on-year.

"Last year, that increase was 124,000 extra contacts. It's a national phenomenon, and it's unprecedented levels of demand."