18 September 2018

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Sussex residents now have the chance to pose questions to the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in person at a meeting next month.

Questions are now being invited for Katy Bourne ahead of the next meeting of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel on Friday 5 October.

Having submitted questions in advance, residents can, if they wish, then attend the meeting to ask their question in person, hear the answer and then raise further points. Otherwise the Chairman will ask their question on their behalf.

This new approach was agreed by the panel at its last meeting.

Questions could be about any policy issue relating to policing in Sussex (but not related to operational matters, or a live case).

The deadline for receiving questions is midday on Friday 21 September and they can be submitted in writing to pcp@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephoning 03302 222542.

Councillor Bill Bentley, chairman of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel said: “As well as supporting the Commissioner, the role of the panel is to properly scrutinise all elements of her work on behalf of the public, to ensure the role is being carried out effectively.

“We want to make sure the issues we are raising are those that the public feel are important to them, and we periodically improve our working arrangements to ensure residents’ voices are heard. I would encourage people to submit their questions, and we look forward to welcoming as many as possible at our meeting on 5 October.”

The main items on the agenda at the meeting are an update on the Commissioner’s work in ensuring Sussex Police provides an effective response to our educational establishments and the Commissioner’s proposed new role in handling policing complaints.

The meeting will be held at County Hall, Lewes, starting at 10.30am. The meeting will also be webcast live at www.eastsussex.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.

Councillors from 15 local authorities across Sussex, plus two independent members, make up the Sussex Police and Crime Panel. The role of the Panel is to scrutinise the actions and decisions of the Commissioner.