Estate Rationalisation Programme
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................... 3
Scope ........................................................................................................ 3
Document Purpose ..................................................................................... 3
Project Team ............................................................................................. 4
Work Streams ............................................................................................ 4
Project Documentation ............................................................................ 4
Engagement Strategy .............................................................................. 4
HR Planning ............................................................................................ 4
Estate Rationalisation .............................................................................. 4
PFI Arrangements ................................................................................... 5
Operational Transition ............................................................................. 5
Supporting Evidence ................................................................................ 5
Local Policing Communications ................................................................. 5
IT Infrastructure and Equipment .............................................................. 5
Vulnerable Victim Suites .......................................................................... 5
Financial Management ............................................................................. 5
New Information Technology ................................................................... 6
Page 2 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Introduction
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the comprehensive
spending review, it is estimated that a further £7.6 million savings will be required
to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff that provide support to them. This new structure, the new Kent Policing
Model (nKPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant
changes to the way operational policing is delivered by having fewer command
areas, and some services centrally managed but locally delivered.
To support this new model, and the continued work of the Estate department with
ensuring the suitability of accommodation, this project is mainly concerned with the
utilisation of sites by Kent Police for operational and non-operational purposes.
These sites include non-operational offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable
victim suites.
The project will seek to rationalise the estate used by Kent Police to support
ongoing budgetary reductions, reducing costs relating to estate which may
ultimately support the reduction of staff and officer losses throughout the force.
Scope
This project aims to ensure that estate is suitable for modern policing, releasing
functionally unsuitable or under-utilised estate and considering:






Maintained and effective public contact, including hours of contact
Short and long term budgetary requirements
The change in operational requirement following the new Kent Policing Model
Sustainable provision to support operational policing
Utilisation of modern technology and supporting other methods of contact
Contractual agreements and arrangement with partner agencies or suppliers
Document Purpose
This document shows a high level overview of the project and is supplementary to a
formal working project plan that is managed using appropriate project management
software. Once confirmed, this document will be static unless a work stream alters,
is removed or is added to.
This document does not constitute any form of consultation. Relevant stakeholders
will be engaged with, but the option to consult on the project will not be offered
outside of the required legal statute for Kent Police staff business cases.
Page 3 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Project Team
The project team consists of the following staff and officers, or their
representatives, from within Kent Police.
Head of Kent & Essex Support Services (Chair)
Chief Executive, Kent Police Authority
Head of Corporate Communications
Head of Property
Head of Kent & Essex Human Resources
Divisional Commander Representative
Head of Continuous Improvement
Head of IT Business Transformation
Head of Public Protection Unit
Head of Finance
Continuous Improvement Officer
The team will meet on a monthly basis, with a standard agenda relating to the work
streams and their progression. The meeting is closed to members outside of the
project team unless directly invited by the chair.
The meeting minutes and action plan will not be included on the Force Publication
Scheme.
Work Streams
A number of work streams have been created to progress the project. The owners
of these work streams are responsible for the tasks within them which are
monitored at the project board.
Project Documentation
Continuous Improvement Officer
Ensures the appropriate documentation is created, agreed and circulated and that
actions are managed and chased where appropriate.
Engagement Strategy
Head of Corporate Services
Develops and supports the delivery of the engagement strategy, ensuring
appropriate and timely communication with staff, the public and the media.
HR Planning
Head of Kent & Essex Human Resources
Identifies staff affected by estate changes, supporting the development of business
cases and staff consultation.
Estate Rationalisation
Head of Property
Page 4 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Develops and delivers the rationalisation of estate, considering right to bid
agreements, contractual obligations and release, collocation with partner agencies
and time restricting issues surrounding the sale of properties such as planning
permission.
PFI Arrangements
Head of Continuous Improvement
To ensure engagement with the PFI Contracts Manager, supporting potential
changes to office opening hours and managing any resulting cost saving against the
contract.
Operational Transition
District Commander Representative
Ensures that operational and local demographic issues are raised when considering
estate rationalisation. Ensures that Equality Impact Assessments are completed
against each rationalised site.
Supporting Evidence
Head of Continuous Improvement
Ensures that robust evidential records are built to support rationalisation decisions
to be made.
Local Policing Communications
District Commander Representative
Liases with Corporate Communications to ensure a standard message is being
delivered to local agencies that the project board are informed of all local impacts of
potential rationalisation.
IT Infrastructure and Equipment
Head of IT Business Transformation
Ensures that all IT equipment is withdrawn from site in a timely manner.
Vulnerable Victim Suites
Head of Public Protection Unit
Considers the risks and issues around site closures, working with partner agencies
and experts, raising concerns with the board.
Financial Management
Head of Finance
Manage the financial aspects of the project, providing advice and guidance to board
members.
Page 5 of 48
Kent Police
New Information Technology
Estate Rationalisation
Head of IT Business Transformation
Develop a business case to investigate other forms of contact technology.
Timescales
The aim of the project completion is largely determined by the time required to
release either Lease or Freehold estate. This may include the reduction of staff
which will be planned alongside estate release but remains subject to Force Policy
L21, Employment Security and Redeployment.
Estimated timing for the potential release of several Leasehold properties
is December 2012, subject to the above caveat. The timescale for disposal of
Freehold properties is more difficult to estimate as these may be subject to
decommissioning work, Community Right to Bid, planning permission and legal sale
constraints. Freehold disposals are therefore likely to run through 2013 and
beyond.
Page 6 of 48
Appendices
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Aylesham Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Dover District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Mullins
Date of update:
24th August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Aylesham Police Office which provides office space for officers and staff to utilise
operationally. The site is not open to the public although may have been used for
interviewing or statements.
Closure of this premises will save approximately £14.5k per year in running costs, in
addition to a potential capital receipt of £150k.
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Initial Screening:
Aylesham is within the Dover District Council area, its population is approximately
3884. The findings from the 2001 census showed that approximately, 0.7% of the
local population were non white, 13.3% of the local population were 65 years or
over, 22.5% were suffering with a long term limiting illness, and 27.9% lived in a
household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data from the 2011 census is
not yet available, the overall population has changed since 2001, however, the local
demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively stable. Use of Aylesham
Public Enquiry Office by officers is low, those likely to experience the greatest
impact of this site closure are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
None identified as this is not a site open to the public.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
Not applicable
Page 8 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
N
N
n/a
N
N
N
N
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
No adverse impact to any group as the site is not open to the public. In terms of
operational use, the District Inspector was consulted and recalled the previous use
as a training venue by a different directorate. The Divisional Commander reports
there is no East Division interest in, or functioning operating from the premises, nor
are there any plans to change that.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Not applicable.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Mullins
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
Not applicable.
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority.
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
Page 9 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Not applicable.
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
None.
Page 10 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Broadstairs Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Thanet District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Fordham
Date of update:
1st August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Broadstairs Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday to Saturday 10am – 2pm, the public to make general enquiries,
report matters to the police, or produce documents for inspection.
Closure of this premises will save approximately £11k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Page 11 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Broadstairs is within the Thanet District Council area, its population when combined
with St Peters is approximately 22800. The findings from the 2001 census showed
that approximately, 2.2% of the local population were non white, 24.4% of the local
population were 65 years or over, 21.9% were suffering with a long term limiting
illness, and 25.9% lived in a household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable
data from the 2011 census is not yet available, the overall population has changed
since 2001, however, the local demographic profile is believed to have remained
relatively stable. Local use of Broadstairs Public Enquiry Office is very low, averaging
11 visits per week, the closure could affect anybody living in the local community;
those likely to experience the greatest impact are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils. The times
Page 12 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
and dates of these meetings will be published locally and be available on the Kent
Police web site.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Police Station, Fort Hill, Margate,
Kent, approximately 4 miles away by road. This facility is close to a regular bus
route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week. This building is
readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by people suffering
from all disabilities. Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the
Kent Police web site, and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases.
Despite this, if a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in
person, this proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest
means and those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is
offset by good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for
disabled people. Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored.
Locally deployed PCSOs will continue to gather feedback from local communities in
the Broadstairs area.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Rob Fordham
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Page 13 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
Page 14 of 48
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Article 10 - National security
Freedom of
expression Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
1) Chief Inspector Fordham and Insp Pledger have attended public engagement
meetings in early September. The issue of closure at Broadstairs was raised at each
meeting. There are no further options being considered at this time as a result of
the engagement undertaken.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – East Malling Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Tonbridge & Malling at West Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Kirby
Date of update:
2 August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
Page 15 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas and some services centrally managed but
locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
East Malling Police Office is not open to the public for specific policing purposes,
although it provides office facilities for officers to carry out enquiries and interviews
when necessary. However, the building is also utilised by the Citizens Advice
Bureau, Community Transport Service and officers from the Council providing
benefits advice. At this time it is not known what arrangements these bodies will
make with TMBC as landlord in terms of their continued occupation.
Closure of these premises will save approximately £6.7k per year in running costs,
in addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
East Malling is within the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council area, with a
population of approximately 12027. The findings from the 2001 census showed that
approximately, 2% of the local population were non white, 12% of the local
population were 65 years or over, 13.3% were suffering with a long term limiting
illness, and 15.5 lived in a household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data
from the 2011 census is not yet available, the overall population has risen since
2001, however, the local demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively
stable. The use of East Malling Public Enquiry Office is very low.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Page 16 of 48
Tick
y
y
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
The facility will not be available to carry out interviews with all members of the local
community. It is believed the impact will be greater for the groups identified as
arrangements will have to be made to conduct the interview in alternative suitable
facilities, which will require them to travel further.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils. The times
and dates of these meetings will be published locally and be available on the Kent
Police web site.
Officers will be able to make suitable alternative arrangements to conduct interviews
and enquires at other locations, this might be at the member of the public’s home
or their preferred meeting place, alternatively arrangements could be made for this
to take place at the nearest police station at Maidstone, Kent.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
Page 17 of 48
y
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
The greatest impact is additional travel, and alternative suitable facilities, there is
little disproportionally across the groups
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored. Add
any others
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Kirby
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority.
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
Page 18 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
1) 23/08/2012 – Presentation to Councillors and members of the public at Clout
Institute Building in West Malling. Attended by Acting Chief Superintendent
Rabey, Chief Inspector Kirby and Inspector Sparkes. C/Insp Kirby gave a
presentation to the attendees which was followed by a question and answer
session.
2) 06/09/2012 – Presentation by Chief Inspector Kirby to assembled Parish
Councillors at the Parish Partnership Panel. Presentation by C/Insp Kirby to the
group followed by questions.
Page 19 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
3) 12/09/2012 – Presentation to Councillors and members of the public at the St
James Centre in East Malling. C/Insp Kirby gave a presentation to the attendees
which was followed by a question and answer session.
4) 21/09/2012 – Consultation meeting to discuss future reporting and engagement
opportunities with service providers including representatives from Age Concern,
Mind, Victim Support and West Kent Community Care held at Tonbridge &
Malling Borough Council offices.
5) 01/10/2012 – The police office formally closed from this date.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Hythe Police Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Shepway District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Bradley
Date of update:
1st August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
Page 20 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Hythe Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday to Friday 9am – 12:30pm, 13:15pm – 17:00pm, enabling the
public to make general enquiries, report matters to the police, or produce
documents for inspection.
Closure of this premises will save approximately £12.9k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Hythe is within the Shepway District Council area, its population is approximately
14170. The findings from the 2001 census showed that approximately, 1.6% of the
local population were non white, 27% of the local population were 65 years or over,
22.5% were suffering with a long term limiting illness, and 23.9% lived in a
household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data from the 2011 census is
not yet available, the overall population has changed since 2001, however, the local
demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively stable. Local use of
Hythe Public Enquiry Office is very low, averaging 10 visits per week, the closure
could affect anybody living in the local community; those likely to experience the
greatest impact are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
Page 21 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils. The times
and dates of these meetings will be published locally and be available on the Kent
Police web site.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Police Station, Bouverie Road
West, Folkestone, Kent, approximately 4 miles away by road. This facility is close to
a regular bus route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week. This
building is readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by
people suffering from all disabilities. Police services will continue to be accessible by
telephone, the Kent Police web site, and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases.
Despite this, if a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in
person, this proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest
means and those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is
offset by good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for
disabled people. Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Page 22 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored.
Include any others
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Martin Bradley
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 National security
Respect for
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Page 23 of 48
Kent Police
private and
family life
Estate Rationalisation
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
Visibility in Hythe planned for October – December is as follows
3 October; 9 October; 15 October and 20 October – Joint operation with Parking
attendants; Police and PCSO with Mobile Police Station to enforce the High Street
Prohibition of driving and provide Police Station for the duration of the Operation.
Mobile Police Station at various locations. Hythe Town – 17 October; 19 November
and 20 December. Hythe East and rural – 22 October; 28 November and 14
December.
Surgeries and Hythe Library – 11 October; 9 November and 13 December.
Page 24 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
East Kent IAG spoken to on 12 October, no emerging issues around the closure at
this time but members have been asked to bring any issues to the attention of the
District Commander should they arise.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Sandwich Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Dover District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Mullins
Date of update:
1st August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Sandwich Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday to Friday 11:00 to 12:00, enabling the public to make general
enquiries, report matters to the police, or produce documents for inspection.
Page 25 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Closure of this premises will save approximately £24.5k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Sandwich is within the Dover District Council area, its population is approximately
4753. The findings from the 2001 census showed that approximately, 2.4% of the
local population were non white, 24.7% of the local population were 65 years or
over, 20.1% were suffering with a long term limiting illness, and 24.4% lived in a
household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data from the 2011 census is
not yet available, the overall population has changed since 2001, however, the local
demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively stable. Local use of
Sandwich Public Enquiry Office is very low, averaging 8 visits over a 7 day period,
the closure could affect anybody living in the local community; those likely to
experience the greatest impact are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
Page 26 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils when
requested. The times and dates of these meetings will be published locally and be
available on the Kent Police web site.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Police Station, Fort Hill, Margate,
Kent, approximately 10.5 miles away by road. This facility is close to a regular bus
route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week. This building is
readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by people suffering
from all disabilities. Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the
Kent Police web site, and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases.
Despite this, if a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in
person, this proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest
means and those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is
offset by good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for
disabled people. Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Daren Mullins
Page 27 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
National security
Public safety
Page 28 of 48
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Kent Police
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
Estate Rationalisation
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
1) C/Insp Mullins attending a Sandwich Town Council meeting on the 3rd September
2012 to discuss the closure of the Sandwich Public Enquiry Office with Local
Councillors.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Strood Contact Point
EIA For District: North Division
District Lead:
Chief Superintendent Jerome
Date of update:
30 July 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
Page 29 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Strood Contact Point provides a public enquiry office, open to the public Monday to
Thursday 8.30am - 5.15pm, Friday: 8.30am - 4.45pm, Saturday: 9am - 1pm,
Sunday: Closed, enabling the public to make general enquiries, report matters to
the police, or produce documents for inspection.
Closure of these premises will save more than £16k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Strood is within the Medway Council area with a population of approximately 40,300
across three wards, Strood North, Strood Rural and Strood South. The combined
findings from these three wards from the 2001 census showed that approximately,
4.7% of the local population were non white, 16% of the local population were 60
years or over, and 7% were suffering with a long term limiting illness. Comparable
data from the 2011 census is not yet available, the overall population has risen
since 2001, however, the local demographic profile is believed to have remained
relatively stable. Local use of Strood Contact Point is very low, the closure could
affect anybody living in the local community; those likely to experience the greatest
impact are identified below.
Are there concerns that the change(s) could have a differential impact on
any of the following groups?
Consider both the public and employees
Age (young people, the elderly; issues surrounding protection and welfare, recruitment,
training, pay, promotion.
Page 30 of 48
Tick

Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Age – The alternative service provision is 7 miles away at Medway police station.
This may pose transport difficulties to those whose only form of transport is public
transport, which would impact on the old or young. However, the number of people
using the front counter is very small and given the nature of the enquiries these
would be suited to being conducted over the telephone or via online means.
Disability - The alternative service provision is 7 miles away at Medway police
station. This may pose transport difficulties to those whose only form of transport is
public transport, which may impact on those who are unable to drive such as those
suffering a disability. However, the number of people using the front counter is very
small and given the nature of the enquiries these would be suited to being
conducted over the telephone or via online means.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal; the premises themselves are not fully
DDA compliant, it is uneconomic to bring them up to the required standard.
Operational policing in the area will remain unchanged, in addition to responding to
emergency calls and routine patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public
engagement at surgeries held in the local area, and attend meetings with the local
town and parish councils. The times and dates of these meetings will be published
locally and be available on the Kent Police web site.
Page 31 of 48

Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Medway Police Station, Purser
Way, Gillingham, ME7 1NE approximately 7 miles away by road. This facility is close
to a regular bus route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week.
This building is readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by
people suffering from all disabilities. The most effective method of public transport
from Strood to Medway Police Station is by Bus which is an 18 minute journey on a
very frequently serviced route.
Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the Kent Police web site,
and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
When considering the potential impact I considered the access to policing services
and how this can be achieved by a range of different groups. The service provision
does not disproportionately impact on any group.
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases. Despite this, if
a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in person, this
proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest means and
those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is offset by
good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for disabled people.
Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age and for those with
disabilities (more details can be found at www.medway.gov.uk).
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Through liaison with the Independent Advisory Group on which sits individuals
representing the above groups and conducting mystery shopper exercises to ensure
these groups can still access our services.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
The Strategic Independent Advisory Group.
Page 32 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
Impact low
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority.
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
Page 33 of 48
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Article 10 - National security
Freedom of
expression Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
A range of engagement has taken place with local groups and elected
representatives, including Member of Parliament, local councillors and the Strood
Town Centre Forum. From the feedback received it has been agreed there will be a
greater involvement with the Strood Town Centre Forum to understand and engage
with the needs of the local business community, the provision of higher profile
patrolling in the town centre and the provision of the mobile police station on
market days. This will allow for the public to have a greater provision of face to face
access to policing services.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Tenterden Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Ashford District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Spedding
Date of update:
30th July 2012
Page 34 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas and some services centrally managed but
locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Tenterden Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday to Friday 9am – 12:30pm, 13:15pm – 17:00pm, enabling the
public to make general enquiries, report matters to the police, or produce
documents for inspection.
Closure of these premises will save approximately £27k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Tenterden is in the Ashford Borough Council area, with a population of
approximately 6850. A development is planned to build an additional 500 extra
homes in the future. The findings from the 2001 census showed that approximately,
0.9% of the local population were non white, 25% of the local population were 65
years or over, 18.4% were suffering with a long term limiting illness, and 17.7%
lived in a household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data from the 2011
census is not yet available, the overall population has risen since 2001, however,
the local demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively stable. Local
use of Tenterden Public Enquiry Office is very low, averaging 72 visits per week, the
closure could affect anybody living in the local community; those likely to experience
the greatest impact are identified below.
Page 35 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal; the premises themselves are not fully
DDA compliant, it is uneconomic to bring them up to the required standard.
Operational policing in the area will remain unchanged, in addition to responding to
emergency calls and routine patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public
engagement at surgeries held in the local area, and attend meetings with the local
town and parish councils. The times and dates of these meetings will be published
locally and be available on the Kent Police website.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Police Station, Tufton Street,
Ashford, Kent, approximately 12.7 miles away by road. This facility is close to a
regular bus route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week. This
Page 36 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
building is readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by
people suffering from all disabilities. The nearest railway station is 9 miles away in
Headcorn, this station is on part of the same rail network as Ashford, some 12 miles
from the Ashford International Station.
Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the Kent Police web site,
and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases. Despite this, if
a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in person, this
proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest means and
those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is offset by
good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for disabled people.
Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Hayley Spedding
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
Page 37 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority.
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
Page 38 of 48
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Kent Police
association
Estate Rationalisation
Prevention of public order
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
Following the decision to close the Tenterden Police Office a meeting was held with
both the Tenterden Town Council and the Tenterden PACT Group both of which
were held on the 15 August 2012.
Tenterden Town Council was disappointed that the decision had been made but
could understand it in light of the current economic climate. The Council offered the
Town Hall as an alternative to the Police Office but this was politely declined. We
will however use the Town Hall in office hours as a venue for public engagement
meetings and for the welfare of Police staff.
The PACT meeting was held in the local Baptist Church and was well attended. CI
Spedding spoke regarding the impending closure as did KCC Councillor Mike Hill
(local KCC Councillor and Chair KPA), the reason behind the closure were fully
discussed as was the commitment to increase future public engagement.
The Police Office was closed on Friday 28 September 2012.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – West Malling Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Tonbridge & Malling at West Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Kirby
Date of update:
2 August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
Page 39 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas and some services centrally managed but
locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
West Malling Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday to Friday 10am – 2:30pm, enabling the public to make general
enquiries, report matters to the police, or produce documents for inspection.
Closure of these premises will save approximately £7.6k per year in running costs,
in addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
West Malling is within the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council area, with a
population of approximately 2383. The findings from the 2001 census showed that
approximately, 2.2% of the local population were non white, 23% of the local
population were 65 years or over, 20.1% were suffering with a long term limiting
illness, and 22.1% lived in a household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable
data from the 2011 census is not yet available, the overall population has risen
since 2001, however, the local demographic profile is believed to have remained
relatively stable. Local use of West Malling Public Enquiry Office is very low,
averaging 30 visits per week, the closure could affect anybody living in the local
community; those likely to experience the greatest impact are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Page 40 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
Yes
No
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHP officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils. The times
and dates of these meetings will be published locally and be available on the Kent
Police web site.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is at the Police Station, Palace Avenue ,
Maidstone, Kent, approximately 8 miles away by road. This facility is close to a
regular bus route, and opens during normal office hours seven days a week. This
building is readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use by
people suffering from all disabilities.
Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the Kent Police web site,
and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
Page 41 of 48
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases.
Despite this, if a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in
person, this proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest
means and those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is
offset by good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for
disabled people. Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored. Add
any others.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Kirby
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority
Page 42 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
6) 23/08/2012 – Presentation to Councillors and members of the public at Clout
Institute Building in West Malling. Attended by Acting Chief Superintendent
Page 43 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Rabey, Chief Inspector Kirby and Inspector Sparkes. C/Insp Kirby gave a
presentation to the attendees which was followed by a question and answer
session.
7) 06/09/2012 – Presentation by Chief Inspector Kirby to assembled Parish
Councillors at the Parish Partnership Panel. Presentation by C/Insp Kirby to the
group followed by questions.
8) 12/09/2012 – Presentation to Councillors and members of the public at the St
James Centre in East Malling. C/Insp Kirby gave a presentation to the attendees
which was followed by a question and answer session.
9) 21/09/2012 – Consultation meeting to discuss future reporting and engagement
opportunities with service providers including representatives from Age Concern,
Mind, Victim Support and West Kent Community Care held at Tonbridge &
Malling Borough Council offices.
10)01/10/2012 – The police office formally closed from this date.
Estate Rationalisation Equality Impact Assessment – Whitstable Police
Office
Important to note: When completing this assessment please remember that we are
required to publish the results of our assessments and they may be requested under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
EIA For District: Canterbury District at East Division
District Lead:
Chief Inspector Barlow
Date of update:
1 August 2012
Proposed Change:
As part of the on-going requirement to reduce costs following the government’s
comprehensive spending review, it is estimated that a further £24 million savings
needs to be made by Kent Police over the next two years. To be able to continue
delivering high quality policing services to the communities of Kent and Medway,
with a reduced budget and fewer people the force has carried out a fundamental
review leading to organisational restructuring affecting operational policing as well
as the staff who provide them support. This new structure, the Kent Policing Model
(KPM) was implemented in November 2011. It introduces significant changes to the
way operational policing is delivered, having local district based policing as its
foundation but with fewer command areas, and some services centrally managed
but locally delivered.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
Page 44 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation.
The proposed change for this District is the closure of the following site:
Whitstable Police Office which provides a public enquiry office, open to the public
between Monday and Saturday 1000hrs – 1400hrs, enabling the public to make
general enquiries, report matters to the police, or produce documents for
inspection.
Closure of this premises will save approximately £21k per year in running costs, in
addition to associated salary savings.
Initial Screening:
Whitstable is within the Canterbury City Council area, its population is approximately
32,000. The findings from the 2001 census showed that approximately, 1.7% of the
local population were non white, 23% of the local population were 65 years or over,
21.7%% were suffering with a long term limiting illness, and 24.5% lived in a
household that didn’t own a car or van. Comparable data from the 2011 census is
not yet available, the overall population has changed since 2001, however, the local
demographic profile is believed to have remained relatively stable. Local use of
Whitstable Public Enquiry Office is low, averaging 66 visits per week (average
footfall as of January 2012), the closure could affect anybody living in the local
community; those likely to experience the greatest impact are identified below.
Consider both the public and employees
Age ,young persons of non driving age and the elderly.
Disability (physical, visual, hearing impairment, mental or learning difficulties; issues
surrounding access to buildings, communication)
Gender (male, female)
Gender reassignment (transgender, transsexual, transvestite)
Marriage or Civil partnership (only in respect of employment, not service delivery)
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (consider: language, culture, ethnicity including gypsy/traveller groups and
asylum seekers)
Religion or belief (practices of worship, religious or cultural observance, including
non-belief)
Sexuality (gay, lesbian, bisexual; actual or perceived)
Page 45 of 48
Tick
Y
Y
n
n
n/a
n
n
n
n
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
What are the issues affecting the groups you have identified above?
Local access to public enquiry office services.
As a result of any differential impact, do changes need to be made to the
change to remove or reduce the potential for differential / adverse
impact?
No
If there is potential for differential / adverse impact remaining, explain
why the change is justifiable.
The public use of these facilities is minimal. Operational policing in the area will
remain unchanged, in addition to responding to emergency calls and routine
patrolling, local NHT officers will conduct public engagement at surgeries held in the
local area, and attend meetings with the local town and parish councils. The times
and dates of these meetings are published locally and available on the Kent Police
web site.
Changes to operational procedures now means that the public no longer have to
visit public enquiry counters to report matters such as crime and ASB, an
appointment system is now in operation whereby officers visit victims and
informants personally.
Those still having a need to visit a public enquiry office in person will still be able to
do so. The nearest public enquiry office is either Herne Bay Police Station, Gordon
Road, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5QU approximately 5.4 miles away by road, and open
between 0900 hrs – 1400 hrs and 1500hrs – 1700hrs Monday to Saturday or the
Police Station, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3JQ, approximately 7.6 miles
away by road. This facility opens during normal office hours seven days a week.
Both buildings are readily accessible from the nearest bus stop and suitable for use
by people suffering from all disabilities. The area is linked by the local rail network.
Police services will continue to be accessible by telephone, the Kent Police web site,
and other social media sites.
What did you consider when looking at the potential impact this change
might have? Did it show disproportionately to any of the above groups?
If so, which ones?
The actual need for a member of the public to visit an enquiry office in person is
reducing with the increased provision of other contact methods, reflected in the low
utilisation rates. Those under a legal obligation, such as reporting for bail, are
directed to the main police stations across the county in most cases.
Despite this, if a member of the public still felt the need to visit an enquiry office in
person, this proposal is most likely to affect elderly and disabled people of modest
Page 46 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
means and those of limited mobility. In such circumstances, the potential impact is
offset by good local public transport links using suitably adapted vehicles for
disabled people. Bus travel remains free for those of state pensionable age.
How do you feel we could monitor equality impact once the change is
implemented?
Feedback from the community engagement arrangements outlined above, such as
local surgeries, and through engagement with key stakeholders at the district
Community Safety Partnership. The new e news system will also be monitored.
Who do you recommend takes the responsibility for this?
District Commander – Chief Inspector Barlow
Would you consider the equality impact of this change overall to be High /
Medium / or Low?
Low
If the impact is High or Medium or if any issues arise that suggest
consultation is necessary, please list the stakeholders / groups consulted
with:
N/A
Summary of the consultation. Include what was incorporated into the
decision to make the change and if not, the reasons for this.
In support of the changes made to operational policing, a review of the
organisations estate requirements has been carried out looking at the suitability of
accommodation, and the utilisation of sites for operational and non-operational
purposes, and their ongoing running costs. These sites include non-operational
offices, public enquiry offices and vulnerable victim suites.
As a consequence of this review the force proposes to rationalise parts of its estate,
closing sites that no longer meet its operational requirements or are unsustainable
in terms of cost and or utilisation. No direct public consultation has taken place,
other than consultation in principle between the force and the Kent Police Authority
Note when and how feedback was given to the groups consulted.
N/A
Page 47 of 48
Kent Police
Estate Rationalisation
Are any of the below articles from the Human Rights Act 1998 likely to be
engaged as a result of the proposed change(s)?
No
Tick
Article 8 Respect for
private and
family life
National security
Public safety
Economic wellbeing of country
Article 9 Respect for
freedom of
thought,
conscience
and
religion
Article 10 Freedom of
expression
National security
Public safety
Protection of rights and freedoms
of others
National security
Public safety
Territorial integrity
Prevention of crime and disorder
Article 11 - National security
Freedom of
assembly
Public safety
and
association Prevention of public order
Tick
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of public order
Protection of health and
morals
Protection of reputation
and rights of others
Maintaining authority and
impartiality of judiciary
Preventing disclosure of
information received in
confidence
Protection of health and
morals
Prevention of crime and
disorder
Protection of rights and
freedoms of others
Add any further activities and findings undertaken after this initial EIA.
Please note the date next to each entry. (Give each one a new number,
adding the date and activity undertaken).
1. 16/10/12 Assessment made of EIA by Coastal Neighbourhood Inspector – Insp
10230 Sugden. Additional footfall at Herne Bay Police Station as a result of the
closure will be monitored.
Page 48 of 48