Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has issued another report, this one on increasing efficiency in the police service. It focuses on collaboration and how forces in England and Wales share services. I was very pleased, but not at all surprised, to see Kent featuring as case study for its work in the Serious Crime Directorate and especially as the Directorate's performance has exceeded its target in 2011 - 2012. A staggering 53 organised crime groups were dismantled and a total of 319 offenders were charged with Class A drug supply offences. Well done to the officers and staff for their professionalism and hard-hitting attitude.
I personally think collaboration is the way forward, especially given the financial constraints all forces are now facing. We also have to brace ourselves for another round of cuts when the second Comprehensive Spending Review is announced. Collaboration between Kent and Essex is truly pioneering and I'm proud to say that we are recognised as the national leaders in this area of work.
Last week I also met with HMIC to catch up on the integrity report. There were a few action points from the initial visit, which overall gave a clean bill of health for both the Force and Authority, in this important area for public confidence. We have already addressed all the national recommendations, so I'm please to report on a very successful HMIC visit.
It's the countdown to the Olympics and I'm looking forward to it. My husband was lucky enough to get 4 tickets for equestrian events which he loves. It's great to see all the bunting up in Maidstone and it gives a real community feel. I expect the town will be packed on the 19 and 20 July to welcome two torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame. One of the torchbearers is a Detective Sergeant at Kent Police what a fantastic opportunity and a lifelong memory.
I meet with the Chief Constable regularly to be briefing about the police preparations for the Olympics. The force is certainly in a state of high readiness and planning has been underway for this event for a long time. It's estimated that 100,000 extra people will be travelling through the county each day during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
However, I'm confident that police and partner agencies have put plans in place to ensure the Port of Dover, the Channel Tunnel and Ebbsfleet International railway station - which will give a direct route into Stratford during the Games - and Kent's roads and coastline are kept safe. It should be a very exciting time for the country and the highlight of the summer, especially now that Andy Murray failed to raise our hopes at Wimbledon yesterday.
Yet someone has raised our spirits here and I am delighted that our Thanet PC Darren Reed has been highly commended by the NFU Mutual at a National award ceremony last week. It's fantastic to see his work as part of the Rural Partnership Team recognised for his hardwork to tackle heritage, wildlife, and rural crime. Well done Darren.
And finally, if you're in Dover on Wednesday then why not pop along to the ASDA store. We will be in the foyer talking to shoppers about their policing priorities and raising awareness of Police and Crime Commissioners.