Home Office make additional £1million funding commitment to support a law enforcement surge in Sussex to tackle serious violence including over the coming Easter weekend.
THE detailed funding allocations follow high level talks between PCCs, Chief Constables and Ministers earlier this year and discussions within the Serious Violence Task Force which led to £100m being made available to tackle knife crime in particular.
Sussex is one of 18 forces that have now been provided with an immediate share of £51m by the Policing Minister to target serious violence.
Katy Bourne the Sussex Police Crime Commissioner said: “The Chief Constable assures me that Sussex Police is developing an operational plan that will mean the force will be ready to step up targeted actions across the county supported by this immediate funding boost.
“This is great news for Sussex Police and Sussex residents and perfectly complements the work we have already begun through our Early Intervention Youth Programme – REBOOT- which in just two weeks has already engaged with 15 young people to steer them away from crime and violence.”
Assistant Chief Constable Nick May said: “We welcome additional funding which has been secured through the Home Office. During the Operation Sceptre week of action for knife crime last month, we were clear this wasn’t one week of action but continues to be part of everyday policing. The additional funding will allow us to build on this and make a real difference to communities across the county.
“We are carrying out patrols in hotspot areas, targeting repeat victims and offenders, using our stop and search powers, working with trading standards and with partners to prevent crimes and educate young people. Action on violent crime and knife crime cannot be tackled by police alone and we continue to work with other agencies to take positive action when knife crimes occur, focusing on engagement and prevention, especially with young people.”
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