One of the key commitments in the manifesto which I stood on at the last General Election was that of an additional 20,000 police officers throughout the country.
The effects of this target being not only met but exceeded will be felt nationwide.
As a result, there are a record number of officers – 149,572 – in England and Wales; over 3,500 more than the previous peak.
Crawley police numbers have remained stable over the past decade and there are now 439 new police officers in Sussex; my thanks to each and every one for their service to the community.
It is vital that the police have the resources they require which is why in 2024-25, forces will receive up to £843 million more to better protect the public. This is to ensure every officer and community has the support and resources needed to cut crime, protect the public and build confidence in policing.
This new funding is a more than 30 per cent rise in cash terms compared to 2019-20, as part of Government’s long-term efforts to cut crime and keep communities safe.
The Crime, Policing & Fire Minister confirmed to Parliament last week that this not only delivers the funding pledged in the 2021 Spending Review, but has gone further to ensure additional funding for policing.
Sussex Police is to receive an increase of £25 million in 2024-25, marking a 6.8 per cent rise on the previous year.
Further action to keep people safe will come through the Criminal Justice Bill which commenced its journey through the parliamentary process last year.
This legislation sees tougher action on knife crime including establishing a power to seize, retain and destroy bladed articles found on private property; measures to increase the maximum penalty for the sale of dangerous weapons to those under the age of 18; as well as the creation of a new criminal offence of possessing a bladed article with the intent to cause harm.
Work to tackle fraud and economic crime will include prohibiting possession and supply of ‘SIM farms’ with no legitimate purpose.
Tougher prison sentences will be introduced for those who pose the greatest risk to our society.
This will include statutory aggravating factors at sentencing which will capture people involved in grooming gangs, or who murder a former partner at the end of a relationship. The punishment must fit the crime.
Victims of crime must be able to see the perpetrator receive justice. The Bill will enable judges to order an offender to attend their hearings with up to two years behind bars for those who refuse. Some of these offenders may even end up in one of the 20,000 new prison places which will be created.
Henry Smith MP
