Kent's police officers are to be given Apple iPads as part of a new drive to keep bobbies connected.

Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes revealed the plan during a public meeting held alongside Chief Constable Alan Pughsley in Swale.

She said it would ensure officers could respond to emails from the public while out on the beat.

Mrs Barnes made the announcement during a Meet the Commissioner event when responding to criticism from an audience member who said he had waited days for a response to an email he sent to an officer.

Sarah Tucker, a spokesman for Mrs Barnes, said: “At present, the exact location and date [for the iPad scheme] has not yet been determined.

"The PCC is committed to investing in new technology that will enable police officers to spend more time out working in local communities.”

It is thought the tablets will be issued to officers in the new year.

It comes as forces across the county equip their officers with body-worn video cameras.

Red-faced bosses were forced to suspend the £328,000 scheme in September when officers trialling them in Medway, Maidstone and Thanet found they could not download footage they had recorded.

Mr Pughsley said the body cameras would ensure police were always behaving professionally.

He said they would also be used to provide further evidence of any crimes committed – especially in domestic violence cases.

He added: “It is fair to say body-worn video has already contributed to investigations. This will give us the ability to provide the best evidence to the courts.”