KENT Police are confident they will retain their independence despite proposals to merge the force with Sussex or Surrey.

A report into the national policing structure has proposed police forces with fewer than 4,000 officers should merge.

Kent Police fall into the borderline category with 3,630 officers and 2,508 support staff.

But Kent's chief constable, Michael Fuller, is confident the force's size, excellent policing performance and track record in dealing with serious crime and border policing will justify it remaining as a stand-alone county force.

The report, by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Denis O'Connor, will be put to the Government in December.

It concludes forces with more than 4,000 police officers tend to deal better with serious organised crime and terrorism.

A special meeting of Kent Police Authority members supported Mr Fuller's view.

Mr Fuller added: "I will be making what I believe is a strong case this force should remain a stand-alone, independent police force.

"We are one of the top-performing police forces in the country, consistently doing better than the big city forces."

It has also emerged there are Government proposals to merge the county's ambulance services to cut bureaucracy and generate more money.

Nationally this would mean a cut from 31 trusts to 11, although the Department of Health says there would be no reduction in ambulance vehicles or staff.

A spokesman said: "We intend to propose there should be 11 ambulance trusts across England to allow for better investment in people and resources."

This could lead to a merger between Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Kent Ambulance Trust chief executive Hayden Newton said: "The mergers will offer benefits for patients and opportunities for staff."

He added: "It will not affect the excellent service already provided by Kent Ambulance Trust."

The police authority now wants to hear the views of residents, partner organisations and businesses about whether Kent Police should be merged with any neighbouring authorities.

People can give their views by visiting the website kent.police.uk