A panel of East Sussex Police Officers and Sussex Police Authority members met this week to prepare for the upcoming Police Virtual Question Time on January 21st, when they will talk to the public about community issues, live across the web.

Taking inspiration from President Obama's ‘Virtual Town Hall' which took place in March 2009, East Sussex Police is launching the first-of-its-kind internet-era town hall event at County Hall, Lewes.

The innovative event aims to provide new opportunities for the public to voice their thoughts and concerns about what matters most to them, and to build on the two-way communication between the police and members of public.

Chief Superintendent Robin Smith, East Sussex Divisional Commander, said: "We are starting off 2010 the way we mean to go on - with fresh eyes, new ideas, and a steely determination to address East Sussex issues for East Sussex people.

"With the fast development of new media, there is no reason to rely solely on traditional methods of community engagement - the online Police Virtual Question Time is an important step towards creating better opportunities for sharing information about our local policing priorities.

"We are inviting you to join us at County Hall on Thursday, January 21st at 6pm, where you can put your questions to our panel in person. If you don't fancy venturing out on a cold January evening, you can simply email your question to us by January 18th and we will endeavour to answer your question live on the web on the East Sussex County Council's website at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/webcasts, where you can watch wherever you are. I can assure you there is nothing on TV of any note at that time until The Bill at 9pm, so you may as well tune in to your local Bill!"

East Sussex Police and Sussex Police Authority will use the feedback from residents at the pilot event to set the Local Policing Plan for 2010, ensuring that priorities are in line with what matters most to the public.

Panel members include East Sussex Policing Divisional Chief Superintendent Robin Smith, Carole Shaves MBE JP and Councillor Bob Tidy from the Sussex Police Authority, and Detective Chief Inspector Michael Ashcroft. Former BBC South East presenter Beverley Thompson will host the questioning.

Anyone wishing to attend or submit a question is asked to email the police at: askaquestion@sussex.pnn.police.uk by the 18th January. Audience members will also be able to question the panel on the night.