In the upcoming race for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Labour’s candidate Paul Richards stands out with a robust plan to revolutionise policing and tackle the rising tide of crime that has afflicted the region. His campaign is a beacon of hope for those who have suffered under recent increases in crime, directly challenging the effects of what he describes as the Conservative’s “colossal mistake” in cutting 20,000 police officers.

Paul Richards for Sussex PCC

A Commitment to More Police and Better Support

Paul Richards’ comprehensive strategy hinges on visibly increasing the police presence throughout Sussex, aiming to restore public confidence and deter crime. “We need more visible neighbourhood police patrols on our streets, estates, and seafronts,” Richards asserts. His plan includes not only the recruitment of additional police officers but also enhancing the roles of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and special constables. Richards pledges to “recruit more police and put them on our streets,” emphasising the necessity of a robust police force that is integrated into the community it serves.

Enhanced Measures Against Crime

Richards is vocal about the specific challenges facing Sussex, from rural crime such as theft of GPS systems from farms to the terrifying rise in hate crimes and the epidemic of looting that has shop workers facing daily threats. He proposes targeted actions to combat these issues, such as faster police response times for incidents of looting and tougher laws to protect retail employees.

Furthermore, Richards prioritizes the support for victims and witnesses, particularly stressing the need for better facilities for victims of rape and sexual assault. “We need decent support for witnesses and victims,” he states, showcasing his commitment to not only preventing crime but also ameliorating its aftermath.

Investing in Youth and Community Projects

Understanding that prevention is just as crucial as intervention, Richards advocates for increased investment in youth projects that offer alternatives to antisocial behaviour. “We need more projects for young people,” he notes, outlining his approach to steering the young population away from county lines and gangs.

Strengthening the Police Infrastructure

Paul Richards plans to significantly invest in the police infrastructure by opening new police stations across Sussex and extending the operational hours of existing ones. This move is intended to ensure that police services are more accessible to the community and that the police force is better equipped to handle the demands of modern policing.

The Election Landscape

The upcoming election is shaping up to be a critical showdown between the Conservative and Labour visions for the future of policing in Sussex. Richards highlights, “It’s a two-horse race here in Sussex. This time it’s a straight fight between the Conservative candidate and the Labour alternative.” With the Liberal Democrats lagging significantly in previous elections, the focus is firmly on what Labour and the Tories offer to the voters of Sussex.

Conclusion

Paul Richards presents a compelling case for a safer and more secure Sussex, with a promise of bolstered police forces and enhanced community engagement. His commitment to increasing police visibility, supporting victims, and investing in youth programs

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Locations: Sussex, Lewes, Bexhill and Battle, Hove, Hastings and Rye, Wealden, Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Kemptown, Eastbourne, Arundel and South Downs, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Chichester, Crawley, East Worthing and Shoreham, Horsham, Mid Sussex, Worthing West