Policing leaders to take questions at council meeting

Released: Tuesday, 21 November 2023

Adur and Worthing residents are being invited to submit their questions on policing ahead of an interview with the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Katy Bourne, Sussex's PCC, is set to attend Adur & Worthing Councils' Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 30th November 2023 to answer questions from local councillors regarding crime and policing issues affecting the area.

The meeting, which starts at 6:30pm at Worthing Town Hall, is also being attended by Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, who is the district commander for Adur, Worthing and Horsham.

The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee has a general role to perform scrutiny functions relating to crime and disorder, to scrutinise the Adur & Worthing Safer Communities Partnership and to review cabinet member policy and decision-making.

We are aware that some residents are becoming increasingly concerned about crime and the fear of crime in Adur and Worthing. The committee is therefore keen to understand the strategic direction and priorities for Sussex Police.

Residents have an opportunity to attend the meeting and put questions to the committee on local police and crime matters during a 30-minute slot at the beginning of the meeting. Residents are asked to pre-submit questions by 27th November 2023.

Cllr Joss Loader, the Adur chair of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

“The principle of policing by consent relies on the trust and confidence that the public has in our police force, therefore it's vitally important that we offer opportunities for public engagement. This is a useful way for residents to ask questions, in a public forum, and to hear the responses first hand."

Cllr Dr Heather Mercer, the Worthing chair of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

“It is important that the voices of residents are heard and questions asked about policing. This is an opportunity to attend the meeting, submit questions and hear answers from Chief Inspector Leadbeatter.”

People can submit their questions by midday on 27th November 2023 by emailing:

democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk