Police and Paramedics Team Up in North Kent After Smashing Success
Joint Response Unit Expanded Across North Kent
A powerhouse teamed-up unit of Kent Special Constabulary officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics has been such a hit, it’s now covering more ground across North Kent.
The Joint Response Unit (JRU) launched back in March 2018, initially covering Medway and Swale only two days a week. The setup pairs two Special Constables with a paramedic, tackling incidents together where both police and medical help are needed.
From Pilot to Full Throttle: More Officers, More Coverage
After smashing targets and proving its worth, the JRU has ramped up. It’s now operating seven days a week during peak times, covering Dartford, Gravesend, Medway, and Swale, with extra officers added to the squad.
Since kicking off, the team has responded to over 2,750 incidents — from vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to assaults and mental health crises.
Stopping Trouble in Its Tracks
Working side-by-side, police officers have prevented drunken and drug-fuelled flare-ups from spiralling out of control, giving paramedics room to work safely on the scene.
The unit earned high praise in the Care Quality Commission’s report for South East Coast Ambulance Service, with independent reviews showing it cuts calls and boosts service efficiency.
“This Special Constabulary and South East Coast Ambulance Service initiative has proved to be an effective and efficient way of providing an improved response to the public,” said Superintendent Jason Wenlock from Kent Police’s Citizens in Policing Team.
“We’ve prevented situations getting out of hand and ensured the right reinforcements arrive when needed. I’m thrilled this service is now rolled out across North Kent and we’ll keep working with partners to make it even better.”
Will Bellamy, Paramedic and Operating Unit Manager for North Kent at SECAmb, added: “We’re chuffed to have expanded the unit to a seven-day model. The overlap in incidents we attend with police is huge, so this joint approach really benefits patients and strengthens our understanding of each other’s roles.”
