top of page
POLICING
SUSSEX
Tackling Crime and Making Sussex Safer
SUSSEX NEEDS
safer streets
Keeping our streets safe is one of my top priorities. People across Sussex tell me they want to see a stronger focus on robust, visible policing and practical solutions to make our communities safer. The residents of Sussex are sick and tired of anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and feeling unsafe. I will do everything I possibly can to tackle these issues.
MORE OFFICERS
on the beat
I will make sure we have more uniformed police officers patrolling our streets on foot. Criminals need to believe they will be caught and punished. The public, shops and other businesses also need to feel reassured and protected.
BOOSTING THE NUMBER OF SPECIAL CONSABLES
I will recruit 250 new Special Constables to help tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
Specials are volunteers with full policing powers, and their numbers are at an all-time low due to poor management by Sussex Police. I will personally oversee the rebuilding of this service and bring numbers back up to the Home Office’s recommended strength.
LAUNCHING
Sussex Marshalls
I will create a new volunteer organisation - the Sussex Marshalls - to work alongside Sussex Police on low-risk activities such as:
-
Beach patrols and rural watch schemes
-
Searching for missing people and completing welfare checks
-
Supporting vulnerable people
-
Licensing checks and test purchasing
-
Statement taking
-
Door-to-door enquiries and CCTV sweeps
-
Scene guarding and constant watches
-
Setting up anti-fly-tipping cameras and farm security measures
Every Marshall will undergo thorough vetting and comprehensive training, freeing up thousands of hours of police time. Allowing officers to focus on what matters most: fighting crime.
CUTTING BUREAUCRACY
not patrols
I will introduce more administrative support staff within Sussex Police so that frontline officers can spend less time on paperwork and more time out fighting crime. This will also extend to custody centres, reducing the long waits officers often face when processing detainees and allowing them to return to the streets to fight crime more quickly.
Freeing police from NHS duties
Far too much police time is spent dealing with mental-health issues that should be handled by healthcare professionals. I will hold urgent meetings with NHS leaders to agree on a better system - so that officers can get back to their primary job of fighting crime and protecting the public.
Fixing Police Recruitment and Retention
I will ensure no more public money is wasted on failed schemes like the so-called “engagement kiosks” that were installed and then abandoned across Sussex. That money should be spent on policing, not gimmicks.
Restoring Town CCTV Monitoring
In 2023, regular live monitoring of CCTV systems in Sussex towns was switched off - a short-sighted decision that made it harder to catch criminals and put officers and PCSOs at greater risk of assault. I will restore proper monitoring and ensure town-centre CCTV once again plays a vital role in preventing crime and protecting officers and the public.
Tackling Rural Crime and Fly-Tipping
I will establish a dedicated Rural Crime and Environmental Enforcement Team to tackle fly-tipping, farm thefts, and other countryside issues that have been neglected for too long. This team will also monitor Southern Water’s performance to identify any potential offences and, where necessary, gather evidence.
Travelling by Train Should Feel Safe
I will also make our trains safer to travel on – especially the line that runs along the south coast. I’ll work with British Transport Police, Sussex Police and Southern Rail to develop effective, practical ways to better protect our passengers and communities along the lines from anti-social behaviour, theft, abuse and assaults.
YOUR VIEWS
really matter
Tell me about the changes you want to see in Sussex. I want a plan that works for all of us - so your opinions are essential to make this happen. Get in touch to help expand and define the community plan.
YOUR VIEWS
really matter
bottom of page