Kent Police has become the only force in the country to have been rated outstanding three years in succession for the way it keeps the public safe and tackles crime.

Inspectors gave the highest possible rating for what is termed legitimacy - a measure of how the public regards the force in terms of how it polices the county.

Inspectors praised the force, saying it was efficient and effective and was policing the county 'by consent'.

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However, the force was told it needed to do more to ensure officers understood what constitutes reasonable grounds for stop and search procedures.

Inspectors found black people were eight times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.

The report says the force said the difference was down to its increased activity disrupting London gangs crossing the county line but was unable to provide “unequivocal evidence to support this view.”

It was however now changing the way it recorded stop and search to take into account if it was linked to gang activity.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham said: “I am delighted with how Kent Police has performed in this inspection, again being judged as outstanding.

"It is the only force in England and Wales to achieve this top grade, which is an achievement they should be extremely proud of.”

“The force uses coercive powers fairly and respectfully, and carries out research on disproportionate use in order to further improve.

"It invites external scrutiny and challenge, and these feed into lessons learned which are communicated well throughout the force.

"There is some work to do to ensure all supervisors know exactly what constitutes reasonable ground for stop and search, but I am confident the force will address this.”

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley has welcomed the findings: "To have our legitimacy graded as 'outstanding' is magnificent news and an endorsement of our work to provide a first class service to the people of Kent.

“This is genuinely a great team effort. In spite of the challenges and demands faced by the police today, we have achieved this by focusing on the things that matter the most and doing the right thing.”

Crime commissioner Matthew Scott said: “This is fantastic news. Legitimacy, or policing by consent, is vital.

"The more that people trust our local police force the more likely it is that victims will seek help, witnesses will come forward with evidence, and members of the community will get involved in volunteering and community safety initiatives which make us all Safer in Kent.”

Inspectors concluded the force was outstanding at treating the people it serves with fairness and respect; good at ensuring its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully; and outstanding at treating its workforce with fairness and respect.