As reductions in public sector spending make headlines across the country, Sussex Police and Sussex Police Authority are developing the right model for policing Sussex in the future.  Work has started to redesign the way the Force operates, and at the same time find savings expected to total at least £34m over four years.

Chief Constable Martin Richards said: "Sussex Police is by no means alone in facing significant cuts to our budget.  Our task - finding at least £34m - is an enormous one.  It will require some radical and difficult decisions, but our starting point will be making sure we get the service we provide to the public right."

Spending Wisely work, which delivered more than £5m in savings from this year's Sussex Police budget, is continuing.  In addition, the Serving Sussex 2015 programme has been set up to shape the future of the Force.  Tasked with preparing plans for the Police Authority's meeting on 28^th October, the programme is examining:

• The right models and structures for local delivery of policing.
• Increasing the range of ways for the public to access policing services, in particular using the benefits that come from new technology.
• The potential for delivering services jointly with neighbouring forces and other agencies.

• More efficient ways to provide the functions - such as finance, human resources and IT - that support the delivery of frontline policing in Sussex.

• How to develop a workforce that is freed up from unnecessary red tape and trusted to use their discretion.

One of the programme's first pieces of work has been to develop guiding principles for the future of policing in Sussex.  They include the importance of maintaining and improving public confidence and satisfaction in policing; the vital nature of the police emergency service; and the strength that comes from working more closely with the public and other organisations:

• Many proposals will provide better public service and at the same time save money, for example by reducing time-consuming bureaucracy and duplication.
• Cuts will be targeted away from the frontline, for example by reviewing management costs amongst police officers and police staff.
• The proven value of close working with local councils means serious consideration will again be given to combining the two policing divisions that serve West Sussex.

Police Authority Chairman Laurie Bush said: "Sussex Police Authority is central in shaping these far-reaching changes.  We will make sure this work delivers the best possible policing for the public of Sussex, and does so within a significantly reduced budget.  We know these will be difficult times, and I am reassured that Sussex is facing them head on."

Detailed plans will be developed during the Summer, during which time consultation on the future of policing in Sussex will continue with the public and local organisations. The Serving Sussex 2015 team can be contacted at future@sussex.pnn.police.uk.