Michael Fuller was previously a Metropolitan Police senior officer

Michael Fuller is the first black chief constable in Britain, but has said that over time, his colour will become "irrelevant".

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, he said: "What will matter is my performance in relation to the job and whether we deliver the level of policing that people want."

The 44-year-old, previously a Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner, has said that anti-social behaviour, rural isolation and the fear of crime are all priorities.

He said spoke of the importance of being the first black police chief constable.

"It is clearly relevant to people and it is a historic appointment and I hope there will be others, as with women chief officers.

"Over time, it will become irrelevant, but it is a historic appointment and I am very proud and pleased to be appointed."

He has also promised to develop the force's commitment to "intelligence-led policing", where crime patterns are analysed and predicted in an attempt to prevent crime rather than react to it.

The strategy has led to low crime rates across the county, but also criticisms that officers are rarely seen on patrol.

Mr Fuller said: "Intelligence-led policing is an approach which is standard throughout the country, targeting the small number of criminals who commit the bulk of the crime.

I'm keen that we have as many officers out on the streets as we can afford. Michael Fuller, chief constable

"I am keen to develop that and extend it to rural communities that feel vulnerable and feel that they don't get the same level of policing that occurs elsewhere."

He said: "I fully accept the need for increased visibility.

"I'm keen that we have as many officers out on the streets as we can afford."

On his first day in the post, Mr Fuller said he had "a broad vision" of what he wanted to achieve and "a feel for some of the issues".

The first hour

"I've got a few weeks to get my feet under the table and listen to people's concerns," he said.

"This is the first day and the first hour."

Mr Fuller joined the Metropolitan Police as a cadet in 1975, going on to serve in Special Branch, CID and to set up the Racial and Violent Crimes Task Force in 1998.

He also headed Operation Trident, which targets gun-related crime within the black community, and became the director of intelligence at Scotland Yard.

Mr Fuller succeeds the current acting chief constable Bob Ayling, who will be returning to his role of deputy chief constable after eight months as head of the force.