Neighbourhood policing in Sussex cut by 26% since 2015

The latest Police Workforce Statistics reveal that since 2015, the earliest year for which there are published figures, the numbers of neighbourhood police officers and PSCOs in Sussex has been cut by 147, or 26%.

Since taking office, Sussex’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner has almost doubled their share of Crawley’s council tax since taking office, fast outpacing inflation, and a period in which by comparison Crawley Borough Council increased their share by less than a quarter. Yet, despite all the extra council tax, on-the-beat policing in Crawley remains far below its peak under the last Labour Government.

Over that same period of time, we have seen a growth in crime and antisocial behaviour, with charging rates in Sussex dropping to just 6.4%. It is clear that law and order will continue to suffer for as long as the Conservatives remain in control of policing.

In government, Labour will restore neighbourhood policing, with visible neighbourhood police hubs in all local areas backed by new neighbourhood prevention team made up of police, community support officers, youth workers and local authority staff.

These teams would prioritise being visible on patrols, preventing crime before it happens and working with communities to address local problem. They would pursue serial perpetrators of ASB or low-level crime, as well as dealing with visible signs of disorder such as broken windows, graffiti, fly-tipping, or drug dealing. These teams will also support victims of anti-social behaviour.  

In September 2020 the Home Secretary wrote to the Victims Commissioner to express her concern about “the serious impact that persistent anti-social behaviour can have on both individuals and communities”. Yet there have been no specific reforms since that point.

Labour has also pledged to give victims of persistent antisocial behaviour the same rights as victims of crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner elections are scheduled for the 2^nd May, with polling indicating that it’s now a close two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives.