In November an election will be held across Sussex (and indeed England and Wales, except London) to appoint a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex.  You will be asked to vote for someone to represent you for policing and crime in the County.

This is the first time you will have had the chance to elect someone to be responsible for policing.  It is really important that you vote, as the PCC will be responsible for policing and crime in Sussex in its totality.  This will mean –

• Setting the budget for Sussex Police
• Appointing the Chief Constable
• Listening to the people of Sussex, and
• Setting a Police and Crime Plan based on those conversations

There will also be a Police and Crime Panel made up of local Councillors from each of the local authorities in Sussex.  Their role will be to advise and scrutinise the work of the PCC.  The Panel will have a range of powers that will see them –

• Review the draft Police and Crime Plan
• Review the PCC’s Annual Report, and
• Hold a public meeting to question the PCC about it

For more information go to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners or www.sussexpcc.co.uk or call 01273 481561.

Key Dates
18th October 2012 – Last full Sussex Police Authority meeting
15th November 2012 – Election Day
21st November 2012 – Last day of Sussex Police Authority in office
22nd November 2012- First day of Police and Crime Commissioner in office