Chairman's Christmas Message

We wish a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to anyone viewing this site, so that is not just for our Police Officer colleagues, but anyone who works for Sussex Police and also anyone from the wider public whom we seek to protect, most particularly the people of Sussex we serve. It seems also becoming more traditional to see Christmas as ever more commercial, and the true message of goodwill being displaced. We genuinely hope that is not true for you as you read this, regardless of your own religion or belief.

We would wish however to pause for further thought for our colleagues who hold the office of constable in Sussex Police. As your elected representatives we truly appreciate that you will all be out there throughout Christmas and the New Year, whatever the weather, as you are every hour and day of the year. To you it will fall to deal with those whose Christmas goodwill is lacking. We sincerely hope that you all have time with those you love and can approach 2010 restored in strength and hope for the challenges of a New Year.

As always all of us in Sussex Police Federation are resolved to support and represent you as you so richly deserve. The challenges facing us are formidable in a period of recession. Significant numbers of you in last year's staff survey reported that you felt you were not valued for what you do. We have seen in the last year numerous examples where the office of constable is clearly not as cherished as it has been, not just in Sussex Police but around the whole country. What we do find however is that the vast majority of the public you serve really do appreciate your effort and sacrifices on their behalf, and want to see more of you out there protecting them. Your colleagues in the federated ranks always appreciate what you do and represent.

It may have been noticed that Sussex Police has stopped publication of Patrol, its monthly newspaper and it will be replaced by a magazine. We have resolved that with the longer lead-in for editorial review for that medium, any contribution we make could not be topical enough. We will therefore be using this website and our own newsletters more frequently to reach you and seek your views. The hot topic for early 2010 is the proposed loss of 73 Police Officer posts. We have been told by Divisional Commanders that they have entered into the proposals with the lightest of touches on officer strengths. What can that mean for the four further years of cuts ? If that is true then the forecast could be the eventual loss of 365-400 constables, therefore 11.5% to 12.5% of our officer numbers. What do you think ?

Merry Christmas !

Brian Stockham
Chairman & Equality Liaison Officer
Sussex Police Federation