Firearms licensing delays and public safety priorities under the spotlight at scrutiny meeting

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne will question police chief officers on a wide-ranging agenda of topics, covering operational performance, the protection of vulnerable people, and emerging risks to public safety at this month’s live-streamed performance and accountability meeting.

WHEN: Thursday 18 June; 14:00-15:30

WHERE: Watch live Home - Sussex PCC Webcasting. A recording will be available to view afterwards.

Firearms licensing delays

A key area of focus will be firearms licensing, following concerns raised by local rural communities regarding Force delays in processing applications.

Recent national figures show Sussex Police is currently among the lowest performing forces in England and Wales, with only 25% of applications processed within the 120-day target.

PCC Bourne will ask for the reasons behind this decline in performance, which contrasts sharply with the previous year, when more than 80% of applications were completed within the target timeframe. PCC Bourne will also examine the impact of fee increases, the growing use of temporary permits, and the potential risks to public safety associated with these delays.

Continued improvements in public contact services

PCC Bourne will also review call handling and digital contact performance, where Sussex Police has made sustained improvements.

This will include emergency and non-emergency response times, the reduced 101 abandonment rate, and the role of new technology in improving accessibility for the public. Further developments planned through the Joint Force Contact and Telephony Programme will also be explored.

Tackling serious sexual offences and protecting vulnerable victims

The force’s approach to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, as part of the national Operation Beaconport review led by the National Crime Agency, will also be in focus during the meeting.

This will include the number of historical cases reviewed, how Sussex Police will use allocated funding of over £500,000 to re-examine investigations, and how the force will ensure robust oversight of this sensitive and complex work.

In addition, questions from PCC Bourne will examine the policing response to upskirting offences, including the number of reported incidents, the use of investigative powers, officer training and the extent to which such behaviour may be linked to more serious offences against women and girls.

New sentencing legislation

The Sentencing Act 2026 will also be discussed, with PCC Bourne seeking clarity on how recent legislative reforms are affecting policing in Sussex, including operational impacts, training for officers and changes to offender management.

Commenting ahead of the meeting PCC Katy Bourne said: “These meetings give residents clear insight into how their force is performing and demonstrate visible public scrutiny across key areas that matter to our communities.

“From firearms licensing delays to improving public contact and strengthening the response to serious sexual offences, I will be seeking clear assurances that the force is delivering effective, timely and victim-focused policing across Sussex.”