PCC to scrutinise police on hate crime, claims of two-tier policing, online child abuse and officer welfare
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne will question police chief officers on a wide-ranging agenda of topics covering community confidence and claims of two-tier policing, the protection of children from online harm and abuse, police officer suicides and road safety at this month’s live-streamed Performance and Accountability Meeting.
WHEN: Thursday 16 July 2026; 13:00
WHERE: Watch live: Home - Sussex PCC Webcasting. A recording will be available to view afterwards.
Community tensions, claims of two-tier policing and public confidence
A key area of focus will be how Sussex Police is responding to increased community tensions arising from national and international events and ensuring public confidence in fair and impartial policing.
PCC Katy Bourne will seek assurances that policing in Sussex is being delivered consistently and without bias, including how the force monitors operational decision-making and addresses any concerns around claims of “two-tier policing”.
Questions will also explore how hate crime is identified, recorded and investigated across different communities, how the force communicates during periods of heightened tension and misinformation and how officers and staff are supported during challenging periods.
The meeting will additionally examine progress made through Sussex Police’s Race Action Plan and how outcomes for Black communities and Black members of the workforce are being measured and improved.
Protecting children online and managing sex offenders
The meeting will also consider findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ recent spotlight report into the policing response to online child sexual abuse and the management of registered sex offenders.
PCC Bourne will question chief officers on whether Sussex Police has sufficient officers and staff to meet growing demand in this area, how risks posed by offenders are being managed and what action is being taken to address recommendations made by the inspectorate.
This will include questions around the force’s use of bail to protect victims, investment in digital forensic capabilities and the management of registered sex offenders.
Questions will also focus on Project SOLAH, Sussex Police’s diversionary programme designed to educate and support children who may have become involved in harmful online behaviour, ensuring that where appropriate they are safeguarded and supported rather than unnecessarily criminalised.
Officer welfare
The welfare of police officers and staff will form another important part of the meeting agenda.
Following national concerns about police suicides and the wellbeing of individuals subject to misconduct investigations, PCC Katy Bourne will seek clarity on the support available to Sussex Police officers and staff, including welfare measures, risk assessments and specialist training for supervisors managing vulnerable personnel.
The discussion will also examine how the force records and monitors incidents involving officers and staff who attempt to take, or take, their own lives and what steps are in place to reduce these risks.
Operation Spotlight and road safety enforcement
Road safety activity taking place as part of July’s national Operation Spotlight campaign will also be discussed.
PCC Katy Bourne will review the force’s work to tackle the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious and fatal collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, distracted driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and careless driving.
Questions will also examine the growing issue of cloned or altered ‘ghost plates’, including the force’s capability to detect offenders, links to organised criminality and enforcement activity undertaken across Sussex.
Illegal use of electric scooters
The increasing use of private electric scooters on roads and pavements will also feature on the agenda following continued public concerns.
PCC Katy Bourne will ask chief officers to explain the current legal position, and enforcement powers available to Sussex Police, guidance provided to officers and PCSOs and how residents can report their concerns.
The anticipated impact of Brighton & Hove’s planned e-scooter rental trial on policing demand and public safety will also be explored.
Keeping policing focused on what matters most to the public
Commenting ahead of the meeting, PCC Katy Bourne said: “This month’s agenda covers a number of significant issues, from maintaining public trust and confidence in policing and responding to hate crime, to protecting children from online exploitation, officer wellbeing and road safety.
“The Police Leadership Commission recently called for a renewed focus on high-performance policing that is centred on cutting crime and keeping people safe.
“At a time when policing is facing increasing public scrutiny, it is vital that Sussex residents can be assured that operational decisions are made fairly, impartially and in accordance with the law.
“I will be seeking assurances that Sussex Police has the resources, leadership and partnerships in place to protect vulnerable people, respond effectively to emerging threats and deliver the policing service that the public rightly expects.
“These meetings provide residents with a valuable opportunity to see public scrutiny in action and better understand how Sussex Police is responding to the issues that matter most to local people.”