Kent Police and Kent Police Authority have signed up to a code which lays out standards expected of their policing.

The Policing Pledge is a set of principals all 43 police forces in England and Wales are expected to adhere to and was launched as part of the Government’s Policing Green Paper.

It contains a list of minimum standards required when answering calls to the police, giving information on police services and when the public can meet their neighbourhood teams.

It also makes it clear when people can receive updates on specific crimes and what has happened to those brought to justice.

Chief Constable Michael Fuller said: "The Pledge sets out a clear standard that puts the public at the heart of everything we do.

"Our 47 neighbourhood teams are already making sure the public get every opportunity to set the priorities in their area and we are committed to resolving the issues people tell us they are most concerned about."

Chair of the Kent Police Authority Ann Barnes added: "It's so important that council taxpayers are aware of the minimum standards they can expect from their police force."

Every force in the country has up to two years to fully implement every aspect of the pledge. Where it is not possible to keep to a pledge commitment the force will have to explain why.