Sussex Police
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sussex Police area
Sussex Police is the Home Office police force responsible for policing East Sussex, West Sussex and City of Brighton and Hove in southern England.
Contents
[edit] History
There were originally separate forces for East and West Sussex, along with the boroughs of Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne. These forces were temporarily merged during the Second World War, from 1943 to 1947. The current amalgamated forces dates from January 1, 1968.[1]
[edit] Today
For policing purposes, Sussex is divided into four geographical Basic Command Units (BCUs) known locally as Divisions, each Division being led by a Chief Superintendent. Divisions are divided into districts, each led by a Chief Inspector, providing a local identify for policing. A fifth BCU provides policing for Gatwick Airport.
Districts are further divided into Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), each led by an Inspector. An initiative phased in during the last couple of years sees the introduction of Neighbourhood Specialist Teams (NSTs). The NSTs are responsible for the bulk of the community work undertaken in an area, and look to deal with long term local issues including Anti-Social Behaviour. Their role stems from the traditional view of 'bobbies on the beat' with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) providing a high visibility profile on the street, albeit with limited policing powers.
[edit] Specialist Units
The Sussex Police Roads Policing Department patrol the many roads in Sussex Including the countys motorway the M23 and the three big A-roads the A27, A23 and the A259. They use fully marked BMW 530d Touring, BMW X5's and still have some Mercedes-Benz E-class estates in service. They also have Ford Galaxys for Forensic Collision Investigation these are based at Shoreham Police Station. They also use unmarked Generation 8 & 9 Lancer Evolution's, Octavia VRS's as part of a join operation between Kent Police, Surrey Police and Hampshire Constabulary called Operation Crackdown
[edit] Sussex Police Authority
Sussex Police Authority has 9 councillors (drawn from the three councils), 3 justices of the peace, and 5 independent members.
[edit] Sussex Police Museum
The Sussex Police Museum in Brighton offers visitors a unique insight into the history of Sussex Police.
Opened on 4th May, 2005 by the The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove. The museum is open to the public on a daily basis, and is not only educational but entertaining also.
The museum, which houses a large collection of police memorabilia, is situated in the old Brighton borough police station in the basement of the old Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton.
[edit] Police Cadets
Sussex Police, Like many other forces have Police Cadets. Members of the VCC (Volunteer Cadet Corps) meet every Wednesday at Police Stations across Sussex. They have an Identifiable Uniform which consists of:
Standard Issue Police Shirt and Tie Standard Issue Trousers Epaulet saying "CADET" and a visible rank designation (normally chevrons). Standard Issue Police Cap with a Blue Band and Sussex Police Crest saying 'SUSSEX VCC'
Cadets learn many police skills as well as a broader syllabus including community projects and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
[edit] Proposed merger with Surrey Police
Proposals had been made by the Home Secretary on March 20, 2006 to merge the force with Surrey Police forming a strategic police force for the area.[2] The plans were effectively abandoned by the Home Office in July 2006.[3]
