Kent PCC to recruit more police officers and staff

Ann Barnes started work as Kent's first police and crime commissioner in November

Kent's police and crime commissioner (PCC) has announced plans to recruit nearly 100 more police officers and support staff.

Ann Barnes said the proposal equates to an additional £2.79 in the police precept on the average household council tax bill

The figure includes 20 constables, 60 community support officers and 18 custody attendants.

Kent will lose 440 serving officers and 750 civilian staff by 2016.

Ms Barnes said: "People want and they demand visible policing and that's not a simplistic reaction in times of tension and uncertainty."

She added that most of the planned posts could be introduced countywide by the end of June.