Sussex Police has received commendation for its consistent ability to surpass hiring goals.
The praise was delivered by the Sussex Police and Crime Panel during their gathering on Friday, March 13, with members acknowledging the force’s efforts to meet and exceed the Home Office’s minimum staffing requirements.
This performance has brought extra officers to the area and helped prevent financial sanctions associated with failing to hit targets.
Iain McCulloch, the chief financial officer for the Police and Crime Commissioner, informed panel members that the accomplishment stemmed from a genuine dedication to fairness, standards and inclusive hiring practices.
He explained that Sussex Police employed various recruitment pathways and outreach programmes to draw applicants from communities typically underrepresented in the force, including initiatives at universities, employment centres and military recruitment events.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne stated that the force had managed to recruit beyond its targets while other forces such as the Metropolitan Police fell significantly short of theirs.
The panel was informed, however, that the Government’s decision to abolish the Police Officer Maintenance Grant has placed additional pressure on the force’s budget.
Mr McCulloch noted that this policy shift had not assisted Sussex Police’s financial situation and had necessitated the commissioner identifying further savings elsewhere.
Panel members also voiced worries about the expenses involved in policing demonstrations connected to the temporary use of an army camp in Crowborough to accommodate asylum seekers.
Mrs Bourne confirmed she was collaborating with the Home Office to tackle the matter.
Other subjects examined included scams aimed at older people and the management of minor complaints made against the force.
Councillor Andrei Czolak, chair of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel, expressed that members were highly satisfied with the recruitment update and extended thanks to the Commissioner and all those responsible for upholding such excellent recruitment standards at Sussex Police.