SUPT Harry Dunk, one of Kent’s longest serving police officers, is to retire after 30 years the end of this month. His last posting has been as area commander in Thanet since September 2001.

Although it has been a relatively short stay, he says he has has “thoroughly enjoyed it". Supt Dunk, joined Kent police in 1971 and has worked at different police stations across Kent, including a spell at county headquarters at Maidstone. Most recently he was head of frontier control and port-related organised crime in Kent.”

He said:” The previous area commander, George Rogers, implemented procedures and processes that make Thanet a very efficient policing area. Officers and civilian staff are enthusiastic and want to get the job done well. There is a very positive working atmosphere and morale is good.

“Thanet is rightly regarded as the most successful police performance area in Kent. There is a culture here that people want to succeed and get on, while maintaining a high standard.”

On his retirement, Supt Dunk will take a short break, including a family holiday, before starting a new job as clerk to a High Court judge in London.