People in Ashford, Folkestone and Dover are now benefiting from more neighbourhood officers and the launch of 101, the single non-emergency number, to contact local Police.

In the Ashford policing district, neighbourhood officers have increased from three sergeants to seven, and ten police constables to 40, while in Shepway, there has been an increase from one sergeant to seven, and 11 police constables to 39.

In Dover district, neighbourhood officers have increased from two sergeants to seven, and six police constables to 38.

Anyone calling 101 from the Kent policing area will be answered by a call operator from the Kent Police Force Control Room. This will improve access to local policing for callers who do not require an immediate emergency response.

People should call 101 if they want to contact their neighbourhood officer, if they need to report a crime such as a stolen car, damage to property, where they suspect drug dealing or use, to report a minor traffic collision, or to give police information about crime in their area.

Police say that dialling 101 will make it easier for people to call Kent Police to pass on information about crime and disorder in their neighbourhoods and they hope 101 will reduce pressure on the 999 system, allowing officers to prioritise the most urgent calls for help.

101 is being launched in Kent at a time that sees neighbourhood officers increasing across the county. Neighbourhood policing is an important feature of the new policing model for Kent and officers will take on a broader role. They will continuing to deal with local problems but will also have some local investigative responsibility and attend scheduled calls.

The public can contact and engage with Kent Police by call 101, visiting www.kent.police.uk [4], join online virtual beat meetings, following Kent Police on twitter @kent_police or facebook.

People who are deaf or speech impaired can still text ‘police’ and their message to 60066.

People should continue to call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life, or when violence is being used or threatened.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©