News and Events

The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Latest Update

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Hello

Last week I shared my latest online survey which invites residents to say whether average speed cameras should be installed on sections of the A285 and A272 in West Sussex. Even if you don't use or live near these roads, the survey provides an opportunity for you to feedback on whether these safety measures should be considered on other roads across Sussex so, please have your say.

This week, I have welcomed the deployment of new AI cameras across Sussex as a further step in my commitment to improving road safety and saving lives. Tackling the ‘fatal five’ offences has been a key priority for me and the creation of the Fatal Five Unit was a manifesto pledge which I’m delighted has now been delivered. The introduction of the AI technology is yet another policing promise achieved.

With 82 collisions involving drivers using mobile phones and 214 people injured because they weren’t wearing a seatbelt in the last year alone, these figures show just how serious and persistent the risks are. Following a successful trial last year, I’m pleased to see Sussex Police using innovation to enhance their ability to detect dangerous behaviour, intervene earlier and make better use of officer time across our county. I look forward to reviewing the impact of these cameras with the Chief Constable in due course.

 

Policing performance under scrutiny

 

In my role as Police and Crime Commissioner, I continue to hold Sussex Police to account through my regular Performance and Accountability Meetings, ensuring that people’s concerns are heard and properly addressed.

At my latest scrutiny session, which took place this week (16 April) I questioned the Chief Constable and her senior team on a range of important issues including: community safety in Crowborough; progress on roads policing, especially results from the Fatal Five Unit; and how the force is strengthening workforce diversity and addressing the gender pay gap.  I also discussed progress to date on DBS checks and was pleased to see further improvements which I know will be welcomed by employees and businesses across our county.

As the elected representative voice of the public in policing, my scrutiny meetings are a vital opportunity to challenge performance, seek reassurance where issues have been raised by residents and make sure policing in Sussex is focused on what matters most to local people. Scrutiny and transparency are essential to maintaining public confidence in policing, which is why these meetings are held monthly, live streamed and available on 'catch-up' on my webcasting portal.

 

Katy

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

FRIDAY  FOCUS

   

Targeting knife crime in hyperlocal hotspots

We have secured almost £595,000 of Government funding to strengthen our efforts to tackle knife crime where it causes the greatest harm in Sussex. The monies, awarded through the government’s new Knife Crime Concentration Fund, will allow Sussex Police to expand their proven hotspot policing approach, focusing on small, ‘hyperlocal’ areas in Brighton, Eastbourne and Crawley.

The targeted investment will support intensive, problem solving activity over two years, with the ambition of delivering a 33% reduction in knife crime. We know how devastating knife crime can be for victims, families and communities and, while Sussex remains below the national average, we must never be complacent.

I’m particularly encouraged that this funding will also enable us to retain the Night Safety Marshals in Brighton, helping to reduce knife enabled violence and keep people safe during nights out. I was dismayed when the Home Office cut the funding for our Safety Marshals elsewhere across the county but am pleased that we have been able to meet the new criteria within the Knife Crime Concentration Fund and keep them in Brighton. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have in making our communities safer.