THE Kent Police Authority has appointed its first director. He is Mark Gilmartin, a former specialist on policing and justice with the Audit Commission.

The new role will see the authority working more closely with communities to better reflect local concerns and issues on the streets.

The authority, responsible for overseeing policing performance, says it aims to work more closely with the public by:

*Building up a consultation programme that ensures the Authority reaches all sections of the community.

* Reflecting the public priorities in how Kent and Medway are policed.

* Actively seeking feedback from the public to improve how police officers, Police community support officers and staff interact as they go about their jobs.

* Ensuring policing initiatives are fully evaluated and incorporate the publics’ vision.

* Aligning resources with publics expressed priorities.

Mr Gilmartin, an economics and politics graduate, has worked for the Post Office as a researcher, in local government, and in the United Arab Emirates.

He was with Lancashire Police for more than 10 years before moving to the Audit Commission as senior specialist on policing and criminal justice.

Mr Gilmartin joined Kent Police in October 2000, working within organisation and development. He was instrumental in preparing the force’s successful bid in response to the Government’s ‘Closing the Gap’ proposals for police restructuring.

Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority, said: “The government is requiring police authorities to be much more active in holding the force to account. Mark’s appointment is a key step forward in making sure the policing of Kent really captures public needs."