Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix

Division commander promises ‘highest possible standards of service’

A new police chief has been appointed to lead the force’s modernisation across west Kent.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix, a father-of-three from Maidstone, will be leading major changes as three policing divisions replace the existing six in November this year.

The new west Kent division will cover Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Sevenoaks and Maidstone.

Mr Nix, 45, said: “It will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to. Tackling crime and making the West Division an even safer place to live, work and visit are priorities which are high on my agenda.

“I want the quality of life for our residents to be the best it can be and I am committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service, while pursuing those that commit crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Ch Supt Nix replaces Ch Supt John Molloy to bring in the changes. He has been working as area commander for Mid Kent for the past 20 months.

He said he was a keen advocate of partnership working, saying: “My previous role was as head of partnerships and communities at force headquarters, Maidstone, which included all partnership activity, from working with local councils and neighbourhood policing to preventing violent extremism. This experience means I am acutely aware of the benefits of working closely with local councils, voluntary groups and others engaged in community safety partnerships.”

Ch Supt Nix has been in policing for 26 years and started his career in Nottingham.

He said: “I believe the way forward is for us to work with the communities themselves to resolve people’s issues. This includes using restorative practice if appropriate. It has been proven that this method can help to resolve problems and has become a valuable tool for the police.”

Despite the financial challenges facing the force, he believed the future for the new division was positive.

He added: “We have the very best management team in place, to get right to the heart of tackling crime problems which blight the lives of hard-working residents. I am confident that with their support and expertise we will continue to see the year-on-year reductions in crime that we have achieved in the past. I am committed to building on this success by working with communities to deal with the issues that matter the most.”