New Joint Response Unit Adds Muscle to Kent’s Emergency Services
Kent’s Joint Response Unit (JRU) is stepping up its game with a brand-new emergency vehicle hitting the roads in east Kent. The team—each unit staffed by a police officer and a paramedic—works together to swiftly handle incidents, cutting down response times and saving vital resources.
How JRU Is Changing The Game Across Kent
The JRU patrols north Kent, Medway, and Swale with two vehicles every evening and weekends, backed by Kent Police and powered mainly by Special Constabulary volunteers. These Specials bring unique skills from day jobs—a doctor, solicitor, and environmental enforcement officer among them—boosting the team’s effectiveness.
- First launched in March 2018 covering Medway and Swale
- Second vehicle added in August 2019 for Dartford and Gravesham
- New third vehicle rolled out in October 2020 for east Kent
Since inception, the JRU has handled roughly 4,500 calls, saving the force an estimated £112,495. More impressively, it’s cut over 1,000 road hours by slashing around 30 minutes per incident. And yes, the unit has even delivered three babies along the way.
Outstanding Praise and Big Ambitions
The Care Quality Commission praised the JRU as “outstanding practice,” inspiring other forces to launch similar partnerships. Special Inspector Ashley Collick said:
“The team handles everything from road traffic collisions to sudden deaths and assaults. We can often resolve calls without extra resources or rapidly get additional support where needed. Arriving together often de-escalates potentially violent situations, especially those involving alcohol.
“The third vehicle marks a major step forward in expanding JRUs across Kent and shows the dedication of both police and ambulance services to offer first-rate care.”
Partnership Working At Its Best
Will Bellamy, SECAmb Operating Unit Manager for Dartford and Medway, added:
“Extending the JRU in Kent means closer partnership and faster, more efficient response times. It allows us to spend less time at individual incidents so all vehicles can stay ready to help others in need.”
With the new east Kent patrol now active following 12 calls in its opening weekend, Kent’s Joint Response Unit is proving a vital frontline force saving lives, time, and taxpayer cash.
