French Ambassador pays visit to Kent Police

French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet met Chief Constable Alan Pughsley to discuss the importance of working together when it comes to cross-border security.

He visited Kent Police Headquarters before touring Folkestone Police Station on Friday 23 February 2018, where he was introduced to the work of the European Liaison Unit, which works closely with French police on cross border crime.

The Ambassador also met with local police officers from the Community Safety Unit, which is something that he has a particular interest in after the French Government launched a community policing initiative at the beginning of February. France will see 10,000 new posts over the next five years dedicated to community policing in areas of high crime.

Mr Jouyet, who was appointed as Ambassador to the UK in 2017, was able to speak with officers in Folkestone and learn about the positive impact they have on the community.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘It was a pleasure to meet Mr Jouyet and further enhance the cooperation that already exists between the French authorities and Kent Police. It is extremely important that we continue to cooperate closely on cross-border policing matters.’

The Ambassador was joined by Police and Home Affairs attaché, Pierre Henri, and Political Advisor, François Joseph Schichan, during his tour which included a visit to Leeds Castle, courtesy of Kent County Council.