Hello

Following the recent criminal disorder across the country, I want to start this week’s newsletter by reassuring all Sussex residents and particularly those who are feeling most unsafe, that Sussex Police are ready to protect you.

There is never an excuse for violence and we will ensure Sussex will not be a comfortable place for people who spread hate of any kind. My message to those who try is that you will be swiftly dealt with and face the full weight of the law and the subsequent consequences.

After threats to premises in Brighton and other towns were published online, Sussex Police and partners put in place a comprehensive public order plan with officers having rest days cancelled and specialist units made available.

On Wednesday evening, people took to the streets in the centre of Brighton and Hastings to share the message that violence and racism is not welcome in our county. Thanks to careful policing and the calm and reasonable behaviour of most attending, the events concluded peacefully.

The news of severe jail sentences swiftly handed down this week to people involved in attacking police and property is welcome and may also have had a successful deterrent effect.

Should any further protests or public disorder of any kind take place, Sussex Police is well trained in dealing with these incidents and will robustly tackle those who choose to act outside the law.

With much of this on-going violence being spread through misinformation, I also urge people to check their sources of information and think before they ‘share’ or ‘re-post’.

Remember to challenge what you see online and, where appropriate, report it to the police via 101 or in an emergency via 999, quoting Operation Skylark.

Safeguarding children and young people

On Thursday I visited YMCA WiSE and we were joined by representatives from Barnardo’s.

I’m delighted to have provided funding of over £680,000 between the charities to develop our Safer Online At Home service (SOLAH).

Project SOLAH started in 2021 as a specific pathway for our police online investigation team to refer children and young people to when they are found to be uploading and sharing indecent images of themselves or other children and sharing them in-person or online. I was particularly concerned to hear how young some of the children are who are caught up in this.

Following a referral from the specialist policing team, YMCA WiSE or Barnardo’s will contact the family and offer safeguarding advice and online education sessions to either the parents/carers, the young person or both. The sessions can either take place once or multiple sessions may be offered, depending on how much support is needed.

Partnering with accredited charities such as YMCA WiSE and Barnardo’s to deliver these services, means that vulnerable children in Sussex and their families are presented with expert help from people who are specially trained in education about sexual exploitation.

The project workers who lead the sessions can empower the young person to talk about their experience, making them feel comfortable and safe, whilst discussing topics such as relationships, sex, consent and wellbeing. The sessions help young people and parents or carers to be armed with knowledge, to make sure they are not put in a vulnerable position again.

It was great to hear from both charities about how the project is progressing and also to hear many testimonials from young people who have accessed the service, particularly referencing the new information they’ve learned and how to keep themselves safe online.

Katy Bourne OBE

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner