PCC welcomes unanimous support from scrutiny panel to strengthen local policing
KATY Bourne, the county’s Police & Crime Commissioner, has welcomed the decision from Sussex Police & Crime scrutiny panel to support her plans to level an increase on the council tax precept to spend more money on policing by an extra £2 per month (for an average band D property).
This recommendation was made after an online public consultation by the PCC and thirteen focus groups held across Sussex in which people said they would pay more for policing if it increased the visibility of local police.
It also follows discussions that the PCC has had with the Chief Constable and his senior team to understand the demands on Sussex Police.
The Force’s analysis of the demands on local policing, investigations, roads policing and the need to vastly improve the 101 service, has led them to request:
- 100 additional PCSOs going back in to the community to provide a reassuring local presence
- 50 additional police officers to add to the recruitment drive already underway. (The Force already plans to recruit 800 officers by 2022. 600 of these are needed to replace officers who leave or retire, and 200 will be additional officers.)
- 50 specialist staff and investigators
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Bourne said: “I have been lobbying hard to secure the best possible funding arrangements for policing. I am pleased that the Panel has supported my decision to increase the police precept by its maximum for 2019/20, taking full advantage of the flexibility provided by government.
“I recognise that any increase in taxation at any level will be challenging for some of our residents and this is not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I believe it’s the right one to further strengthen local policing and to enable the Chief Constable to focus his resources in the areas that the public tell me matter most to them.
“Following the precept rise last year and money from reserves, Sussex Police has already embarked on its biggest recruitment programme for ten years, protecting 476 posts under threat and recruiting 270 police officers. Sussex residents have told me that they welcome this but also say they want to see PCSOs back in communities, more police on our roads and a better 101 service.
“I am pleased that the Panel have recognised that I have listened intently to what Sussex residents want and what the Chief Constable needs. With their support, we are now able to take this unique opportunity to recruit even more officers and invest in an all round better service.”
For results from the online survey and focus groups click here:
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