Hello

I was proud and delighted this week to attend the reopening of the Old Police Cells Museum beneath Brighton Town Hall - a unique and historic space that tells the story of nearly 200 years of policing in Sussex.

Standing in those cells, you can really feel the weight of history. From the 1830s through to the late 1960s, this was a place at the heart of Brighton’s policing story, reflecting how both the city and policing itself have evolved over time. 

For me, taking on custodianship of the museum is a real privilege. Preserving our policing heritage isn’t about looking backwards - it’s about understanding where we’ve come from so we can shape the future. The stories held there remind us just how important public trust, accountability and engagement have always been - and still are today.

This project has only been possible thanks to an incredible team effort. I want to pay tribute to our dedicated volunteers, our museum director Ollie Knight and to all those who have worked so hard behind the scenes to bring the museum back to life. Their passion ensures these stories will continue to be shared for generations.

It also feels important to recognise the legacy of John and Pat Drake, whose vision and determination first created the museum. Their commitment to public service and to preserving Sussex’s policing history is still felt throughout the building today.

On a personal note, this museum resonates deeply with me. Like many families across Sussex, mine has its own policing history, and I’m reminded that policing is not an abstract concept - it’s about people, communities and shared experiences over time. 

Looking ahead, I want the museum to be a living, accessible place for learning - especially for young people. I hope it encourages curiosity, sparks conversations and helps people better understand how policing has changed - and why core values like fairness and public consent remain so vital.

If you get the chance to visit, I would really encourage you to do so. It’s a powerful reminder of the people and moments that have shaped policing in Sussex - and why that history still matters today.

What do you think about police reform?

There is growing discussion around the Government’s proposals to merge police forces. This could see our much loved Sussex Constabulary disappear as it is merged with Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley to form a South East Regional Force.

I want to share my perspective with you and to ask you to share your views with me in this survey. The future of our local police force matters so please let me know your thoughts!

The British model of local policing is respected around the world. Of course, policing must continue to modernise - especially as we face increasingly complex threats from organised crime and terrorism that cross borders.

But bigger doesn’t always mean better. We only have to look at large-scale models, such as Police Scotland or even the Metropolitan Police, where size has at times presented real challenges in tackling the issues that matter most to local communities.

The reality is that organisations can become too large - too complicated to manage effectively - and too distant from the people they serve. When that happens, accountability can weaken and the connection with local communities can be lost.

For me, the priority is clear - any changes to policing must strengthen local accountability, maintain public trust and ensure we continue to deliver a service that is responsive to the needs of our communities.

I want to ensure that local voices are heard when police reform is under discussion. The Government has not directly consulted the public, which is why local feedback from you is especially important at this early stage. Please let me know what you think and share this survey with family members, colleagues, friends and neighbours across Sussex.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner