Hello

The spring cycle of my focus groups with representatives from nearly 100 town and parish councils across Sussex are going extremely well.

A main topic of conversation has been anti-social behaviour (ASB) with participants keen to hear about my office’s latest initiatives to tackle ASB in conjunction with Sussex Police and other agencies.

Neighbourhood policing was again roundly appreciated, with much praise for the work, effort and visibility of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in their communities.

All the discussions have been attended by senior Sussex Police officers and I thank them for their support for and input into these focus groups.

Their attendance means that any operational policing concerns can be directly addressed during the meetings and I know participants welcome the chance to meet a member of their local Neighbourhood Policing Team in person.

Don’t forget, you can also have your say on how safe you feel in Sussex in my new survey that I launched last week and I am grateful to those who have already taken the time to complete the questionnaire.

This weekend, members of my team will be joining the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team (RCT) at the Heathfield Agricultural Show where they’ll be engaging with visitors about feelings of safety in the surrounding areas and the RCT will also be discussing crime prevention initiatives.

If you’re attending the event, please do pop by to say hello and have a chat with my team. Your feedback and views regarding policing in Sussex are always appreciated.

Celebrating 60 years of Brighton Police Station

Earlier this month, I joined Chief Constable Shiner, Chief Superintendent Burtenshaw and a number of long-serving police officers and staff members to mark 60 years from the laying of Brighton Police Station’s first foundation stone.

John Street Police Station is, without doubt, Sussex Police’s flagship station, serving one of the UK’s most vibrant city populations. It is more important than ever for police officers and staff to have the appropriate facilities to work from as they provide reassurance and protection to residents across our county, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

I know just how much a visible police presence is valued by local residents - this is why having a police station like John Street in the heart of the community is vital to maintain public trust and confidence in our police force for many years to come.

It was great to hear from officers, staff and partners who have worked at John Street and have fascinating stories to tell about the history of the building. You can read more about its modern renovations and the event on the Sussex Police website, or watch the video above to see its transformation from the 1960’s.

Katy Bourne OBE

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner