Members of Sussex Police Authority scrutinise and support the work of Sussex Police, working alongside the Chief Constable, Martin Richards to provide an effective policing service for the people of Sussex and wherever possible, to improve on that service.

Sussex Police Authority consists of 17 members of the Sussex community. Nine are councillors, elected to East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove City Council, and are appointed to the Police Authority to reflect the political balance of those Councils.

The remaining eight posts are filled by independent members appointed by the Authority’s councillor members following public advertisements, short-listing and interview. At least one of these independent members must be a magistrate; currently Sussex Police Authority has three magistrates.

The Police Authority is supported by a Chief Executive and Solicitor based at County Hall, Lewes and a Treasurer based at County Hall, Chichester, as well as a team of officers who work closely with Sussex Police and partners in order to achieve the goals of the Authority.

• the Authority is able to influence policing delivery on your behalf?
• meetings of the Authority are open to the public, and wherever possible, webcast?
• the Authority manages over 70 volunteers who monitor custody facilities on your behalf?
• the Authority manages a scheme to monitor the police use of CCTV?