Residents can now take part in Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne’s consultation for the Sussex Police Precept 2017/2018. This proposes to increase the police element of council tax rise by around £5 per household to fund over 100 new police officers and specialist staff.
The web address is https://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/priorities/budget/
“We need the right people, with the right skills in the right place to protect you and fight crime,” said Sussex PCC Katy Bourne.
“That’s why I want to invest in 100 new officers and staff in specialist teams to strengthen local policing and keep our communities safe.”
“I am responsible for setting the policing element of council tax in Sussex. I would like to ask households if they would be prepared to pay – on average – an additional £5.00 which would create an extra £3m for policing each year. When that is added to the £2m savings already identified, it allows Sussex Police to invest in over 100 police officers and specialist staff in the following areas.”
- Community Priority Crime Teams:
to investigate local crime problems, dismantle organised gangs and remove repeat offenders and provide a reassuring community presence.
- Expert Youth Teams: to target and support those younger people most at risk of committing crimes or becoming a victim of crime.
- Specialist Firearms Officers:
for counter terrorism deterrence and response.
- Public Protection Investigators:
to provide appropriate response and more capacity to deal with the increased reports of sexual offences and child protection cases.
“Sussex Police is modernising its services to meet the local policing and security needs of the 21st century. This new way of working has been acknowledged as ambitious and positive by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. “
“Whilst that transformation is under way across all areas of policing and will take time, I want to make sure Sussex residents can see local policing being strengthened now.“
The consultation, which began on the website this week and will include public engagements across Sussex, closes in January 2017. The PCC will then present her recommendations on whether to propose a rise in the precept to the Police and Crime Panel in January.
Simon Ellery – Sussex Police
