Sussex police chiefs face scrutiny over hate crime, online child abuse and officer welfare

Sussex Police chief officers will face questions on claims of “two-tier policing”, hate crime, online child sexual abuse, officer welfare and road safety at a public accountability meeting.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne will lead the live-streamed Performance and Accountability Meeting from 1pm today. (16.07.2026)

A major focus will be how Sussex Police is responding to increased community tensions linked to national and international events, while maintaining public confidence in fair and impartial policing.

Mrs Bourne is expected to seek assurances that operational decisions are being made consistently and without bias. Chief officers will also be asked how concerns about claims of “two-tier policing” are monitored and addressed.

The meeting will examine how hate crime is identified, recorded and investigated across different communities, as well as how the force communicates during periods of misinformation or heightened tension.

Progress made through Sussex Police’s Race Action Plan will also be considered, including how outcomes for Black communities and Black members of the workforce are measured and improved.

Chief officers will be questioned about the force’s response to online child sexual abuse and the management of registered sex offenders.

The discussion follows a recent spotlight report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

Mrs Bourne will ask whether Sussex Police has enough officers and staff to manage growing demand, how risks posed by offenders are assessed and what action is being taken in response to the inspectorate’s recommendations.

The force’s use of bail to protect victims, investment in digital forensics and management of registered sex offenders will also be examined.

Questions will also cover Project SOLAH, a Sussex Police programme which aims to educate and support children who may have become involved in harmful online behaviour.

The programme is designed to ensure children are safeguarded and supported where appropriate, rather than unnecessarily criminalised.

The welfare of Sussex Police officers and staff will form another major part of the meeting.

Following national concerns about police suicides and the wellbeing of people involved in misconduct investigations, chief officers will be asked about welfare support, risk assessments and specialist training for supervisors.

The meeting will consider how Sussex Police records and monitors incidents involving officers and staff who attempt to take, or take, their own lives, as well as measures intended to reduce the risks.

Road safety enforcement taking place during July’s national Operation Spotlight campaign will also be reviewed.

The campaign focuses on the “fatal five” causes of serious and fatal crashes: speeding, drink and drug driving, distracted driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and careless driving.

Chief officers will also face questions about cloned or altered “ghost plates”, their links to organised crime and the force’s ability to identify offenders.

The illegal use of private electric scooters on roads and pavements will also be discussed following concerns from residents.

Mrs Bourne will ask police leaders to explain the law, the enforcement powers available to officers and PCSOs and how members of the public should report incidents.

The expected effect of Brighton and Hove’s planned rental e-scooter trial on police demand and public safety will also be considered.

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.”

The meeting will be broadcast live through the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner’s webcasting service, with a recording available afterwards.

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