Hello

I welcome the introduction of the Policing Inspectorate’s new Policing Performance System, announced this week, which is designed to strengthen accountability, drive improvement and help ensure the public receives the high-quality policing service they deserve.

Sussex Police's assessment under this new framework is particularly encouraging. The force has been placed at Level One, the lowest of four escalating levels, reflecting the significant improvements made in recent years and the strong leadership currently in place. This should reassure residents that Sussex Police is working hard to deliver a good service to communities across the county.

That said, there is always more to do. Continual improvement remains a key priority for me and I will keep discussing performance regularly with senior officers to ensure the force maintains progress.

Independent scrutiny is essential to ensure public confidence in policing. As Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my most important responsibilities is holding the Chief Constable to account for performance on behalf of the public. The national policing inspectorate, HMICFRS, plays a vital role in this process, providing me with independent oversight and identifying both strengths and areas for improvement.

I hope this new framework brings greater consistency to the way police performance is monitored across the country. The public rightly expects the highest standards from policing and PCCs have an important role in championing transparency, driving improvement and ensuring forces deliver an effective, efficient and trusted service.

Where good performance is identified, it should be recognised. Equally, where challenges exist, they must be addressed openly and promptly. Ultimately, this new system supports a shared goal: better policing outcomes and safer communities for the people we all serve.

Britain’s Best Control Room? It’s Right Here in Sussex

When you dial 999, every second matters. Those precious moments can mean the difference between catching a criminal, preventing harm or even saving a life. That’s why I am delighted to share some fantastic news with you about one of Sussex Police’s most vital teams.

The Force Contact, Command and Control Department has been named Force Control Room Team of the Year at the Control Room Awards 2026 - a prestigious UK-wide award recognising excellence across police, fire and ambulance control rooms.

This national recognition follows a long period of sustained performance. For the eleventh consecutive month, Sussex Police has recorded the fastest 999 call answering times of any emergency service in the country. Today, more than 98% of 999 calls are answered within 10 seconds, with callers waiting on average just four seconds to speak to someone.

Behind these impressive statistics is a team of dedicated staff and officers working around the clock to support the public when they need it most.

This award is welcome recognition for a team whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact is felt across our communities every day. We must never forget that behind every call is a person who needs help, reassurance or protection.

Over recent years, I have provided significant investment in new technology, improved systems and additional contact centre staff to ensure Sussex Police can continue delivering the high-quality service that residents rightly expect.

Receiving this national award is further recognition of the remarkable progress that has been made and it reflects Sussex Police’s commitment to being there for the public when they are needed most.

While this achievement deserves celebration, I pledge to continue holding Sussex Police to account to ensure these high standards are maintained.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner