During the week I attended the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners' general meeting in London, alongside my PCC colleagues.
The meeting, which was also attended by Policing Minister Chris Philp MP, provided us with the opportunity to discuss various important issues including: supporting victims of crime; effective working between police and the criminal justice system; and the mental health demand on the police. You can hear more about mental health and policing in my January Performance & Accountability Meeting.
It was interesting to hear first-hand from the Minister about the proposals to introduce a long-expected ban on the sale or possession of nitrous oxide as part of a wider crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The drug, which is usually inhaled from balloons, has become the second most popular drug amongst 16–24-year-olds.
It is dangerous and can cause serious neurological problems and nerve damage. We know that harmful drugs like this can be a gateway into serious issues including drug-driving. You can hear more about recent drug-driving figures in my January Performance & Accountability Meeting.
Today I presented the proposed precept increase to the Police & Crime Panel. The proposal was supported and you can read more on my website.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner
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