Kent Police now has access to a helicopter to help in the fight against crime.

Use of the helicopter is part of the collaboration project between Kent Police and Essex Police which sees the two organisations join forces to improve services and save money.

Air support

Since 1 April 2008 Kent has joined the Essex part of an existing consortium between Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire forces to use the helicopter.

It means the helicopter will be available to Kent and Essex forces for up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is a considerable increase in service for Essex and a completely new service for Kent.

The practicalities of both forces using the air support has been tested since October 2007 and terms of use drawn up (for example, the helicopter will be sent to incidents on a priority basis). Essex has an established relationship with Suffolk and Cambridgeshire so will still be able to call on either force for support.

Collaboration funding

The Essex and Kent collaboration project will receive £500,000 from the Home Office over the next two years to improve the security of the two counties by joining-up the marine, ports, air support and road command.