Medway has a new police chief, Supt Rachel Adams, who is one of the county's most senior female officers.

As area commander, she will report directly to Ch Supt Steve Corbishley, who has taken over the new North Kent and Medway division following a restructure of the county's force.

It is not the first time Medway has had a woman at the helm. Ch Supt Corbishley's predecessor was Jan Stephens, who retired in 2008.

Cllr Mike O’Brien is taking over as chairman from Ch Supt Corbishley, while the new deputy chairman is Supt Adams.

The CSP was formed in 1998 in response to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which places a duty on councils, the police and other agencies to form a crime and disorder partnership to tackle such problems.

Cllr O’Brien said: "I would like to thank Chief Supt Corbishley for all his hard work. He has been the driving force behind the success of the CSP."

Supt Adams added: "I am very much looking forward to working alongside my partners on the CSP in continuing to make Medway a safe place."