About

Katy Bourne OBE was re-elected by the public in May 2024 to hold the Chief Constable of Sussex Police to account for the performance of the police force, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.

The Police & Crime Commissioner holds the responsibility for defining the strategic direction and priorities for Sussex Police, as outlined in the Police & Crime Plan. This critical role encompasses setting the extensive police budget for 2025/26, which is nearly £500 million. Specifically, the budget allocates £470 million gross for revenue (or £424 million net after third-party income) and £28 million for capital projects. The Commissioner also determines the local police precept, the amount residents contribute towards policing via their council tax.

Mrs Bourne also has a statutory duty to commission support services for victims of crime and to deliver community safety initiatives, including restorative justice and crime reduction grants.