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Kent's new Chief Constable speaks out about the job

by Joanna Earle

There will be some difficult decisions ahead... That was the message from Kent's new top cop today.

Kent Police Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said in his first press conference since he took up office on Monday that front line services will be protected.

But Ch Con Learmonth did admit he can't guarantee police staff won't face the axe.

Speaking at Kent Police College in Maidstone, he said: "My objective is to protect and preserve the front end service delivery.

"So hopefully the people in Kent won't see any difference in the quality of the services we provide."

This comes as Kent Police is facing a whopping £20million of cuts over the next three years, including an extra £2.7million this year.

Speaking about his new role, he added: "I'm absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been appointed the chief constable for such a prestigious force such as Kent Police.

"I look forward spending the next five years of my career here and working with the people here."

Ch Con Learmonth's appointment was announced in May.