KENT Police have appointed a new neighbourhood inspector to lead a team of constables and police community support officers in the Gillingham and Rainham areas.

Inspector Kay Maynard is one of three new neighbourhood inspectors appointed in Medway to lead expanded teams aiming to deter the kind of nuisance crime that causes distress and is responsible for much of the rise in recorded crime.

Insp Maynard said: “Neighbourhood policing will make a difference in Medway. It is already giving us a greater presence on the streets which, with the mobile police stations and contact centre, is making us ever more accessible to people."

She stressed: “People want more officers out on the streets and that is what they will be getting. My job is to lead the team in East Medway, which is a dynamic and busy place."

East Medway comprises Gillingham, Rainham, Watling, Twydall, Hempstead, Wigmore and Parkwood.

The inspector added: "I am looking forward to working with the public and our partners because together we will make a difference for the better.”

The force’s plans are that the 19 neighbourhood constables currently out and about in Medway will increase to 31 by April 2008. At the same time, the number of patrol PCSOs will rise to 82.

Insp Maynard joined Kent Police in 1992. She worked at both Ramsgate and Margate on core section and later on a uniformed tactical team before transferring to Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

In 2000 she was promoted to Sergeant and worked in the Swale area control room for 18 months and as a patrol Sergeant at both Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

She was promoted to Inspector in April, 2004, and moved to Medway where she worked as a patrol manager for 14 months before moving to a training and professional development role.