New French agreement
Wednesday, 09 November, 2011
Chief Constable, Ian Learmonth signs agreement with Monsieur Pierre de Bousquet
The Chief Constable of Kent travelled to France last month to sign a new co-operation agreement with the most senior French Government official for the Northern French region of Pas-de-Calais, Monsieur Pierre de Bousquet.
The meeting was to extend an existing joint initiative between the two forces who work together to deal with cross border criminality and ensure the Channel is not used to evade justice or spirit away the ill-gotten gains of a criminal lifestyle.
The Chief Constable, Ian Learmonth, said: 'Around 30 million people pass through the
County each year, with that number due to increase substantially during 2012 thanks to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 'We share a close working relationship - and more information than ever - with our French counterparts to deal with criminals.
We are constantly tightening our efforts to further reduce cross border criminality with France, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands.' Trans-frontier crime is pursued vigorously by Kent Police, working in partnership with police forces from other countries and UK partners, such as the UK Borders Agency (UKBA). Specifically targeted are counter-terrorism, drug supply, people trafficking and illegal immigration. Kent Police seizes more of the proceeds of crime than any other UK police force, bar London's Metropolitan.
The joint initiative with the Gendarmerie Nationale from Pas-de-Calais has also seen regular operational visits which means Kent officers patrol alongside French officers on both sides of the channel and work together on tackling drugs, counter-terrorism and immigration crime.
