Record number of officers back on streets according to Sussex PCC
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne shares progress in making Sussex safer.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has outlined 12 key achievements aimed at improving safety across the county as the festive season continues.
These achievements, spanning various crime-fighting and community safety initiatives, highlight progress made under her leadership throughout the year.
Record police officer numbers
Sussex Police has increased officers on the streets to their highest number ever, with 250 more officers compared to when Bourne entered office. This has bolstered neighbourhood policing, improved crime-solving rates, and reassured communities across areas from Chichester to Rye.
Leading nationally on response times
Sussex Police has become the top-performing force in the country for answering 999 and 101 calls. Bourne identified improving response times as a priority in her Police and Crime Plan, offering quicker support to residents reporting crimes.
Tackling rural crime
With 60% of East and West Sussex classified as rural or super-rural, a dedicated Rural Crime Team has been established. Supported by increased police funding, the team has conducted 1,400 patrol hours, visited 450 farms, and recovered 34 stolen vehicles and equipment. A 24% reduction in rural crimes has been seen over the past year.
Protecting high streets
Strategies to combat shoplifting and retail crime include the Safer Sussex Business Partnership, launched in 2020, and more recently, the Pegasus Partnership, which tackles organised retail crime gangs. A tagging scheme introduced for persistent shoplifters in Sussex was another local first.
Safeguarding women and girls
Since 2014, PCC Bourne has collaborated with Sussex Police to transform responses to violence against women and girls. Initiatives include funding night marshals, specialist training, and creating an online domestic abuse reporting tool that has been recognised nationally.
Stalking prevention
Sussex Police’s approach to tackling stalking, with partnerships like Veritas Justice, has influenced national practices. Over 3,000 victims were supported in 2024/25, with measures including stalking protection orders and perpetrator programmes.
Addressing serious organised crime
Specialist Enforcement Units have conducted 650 stop and searches, arrested 450 people, and seized over 300kg of drugs. Sussex Police’s Centurion team dismantled 120 county drug lines, protecting young people from exploitation.
Public scrutiny of policing
Sussex was the first area to webcast accountability meetings between PCC Bourne and the Chief Constable, creating over 130 publicly accessible sessions to scrutinise police performance.
Safe Space Sussex
Sussex offers quality-assured support for victims and witnesses through the Safe Space Online Directory and its Funding Network. Over £30 million has been allocated to victim services since 2014, helping approximately 45,000 people annually.
Supporting local groups
The Safer in Sussex Community Fund has invested £2.3 million into more than 600 community groups, supporting initiatives such as youth engagement, fraud prevention, and Community Speedwatch schemes.
Road safety focus
Road fatalities have dropped by 30% over the past year in Sussex. Plans for a Fatal Five Unit launching early next year will combine education and enforcement to further improve road safety.
Domestic burglary reduction
Burglaries in Sussex have decreased by 10% this year thanks to consistent policing and vigilance from communities.
Reflecting on the successes, Katy Bourne stated her continued commitment to scrutinising and supporting Sussex Police and working with local partners to ensure safety for residents and visitors alike.