EXCLUSIVE by Gerry Warren

A radical re-rethink of policing in Canterbury and Thanet will result in more than 60 desk-bound police officers being freed up to go on the beat across the area, the Gazette can reveal.

Police chiefs say the aim is to make the public feel safer and provide greater re-assurance by providing a higher visibility patrols.

Senior officers are frustrated that despite success in bringing down crime, levels of public confidence and satisfaction in the service remain low.

But area commander, Chief Supt John Molloy (pictured right) admits the redeployment of back room staff is a 'brave' departure not tried elsewhere in Kent.

He says his long-term ambition is that every resident in the district will get a visit from their neighbourhood officer and the process will start with the more vulnerable members of the community.

Mr Molloy would not reveal how the extra officers would be divided between Canterbury and Thanet but pledged the public would see the difference.

He explained: "What we have done is to look at our management processes and close down some of the back office functions which are part of the production line for investigating crime.

"It's a brave departure and a new way of doing business but will result in more officers on the streets where the public want to see them."

The decision over whether to cut the number of officers based at Herne Bay is still being discussed by senior officers, although Mr Molloy insists patrols on the coast will not be reduced.

He added: "We are prioritising the greatest concerns of residents and seeing if this new way of working makes an impact on public's confidence in the police.

"It means that officers will be seeing their own jobs through from start to finish rather than them going through a backroom management process. That process is very effective but we are going to see if there is another way.

"The extra officers will be in cars, on bikes and on foot and there will be a greater focus on tackling anti-social behaviour.

"They are due to be deployed in the first week of November after being given fresh training and the tools of the job, including vehicles, bikes and electronic equipment."

Read more reaction in this week's Gazette.