Children and young people

"Children need support, help and guidance to grow up in this incredibly complex world. We interact with some of the most vulnerable children in our communities and also those children who may have taken something too far, taken one risk too many, or are experimenting with social norms and boundaries.

"We mustn’t forget that through our interactions with children and young people we will leave a lasting impact, and that experience with the police must be formed on the basis of being professionally curious, child-centred and listening and hearing the voice of the child.

"Early engagement, education, prevention and diversion from crime is vital. Every child should be able to achieve their full potential and get the best possible start. I am committed to ensuring that Sussex Police remains child-centred and child focussed."

- Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland QPM, Equality Champion for Children and Young People

Our work in this area

As a public service

We have identified four key priorities for Sussex Police in delivering a policing service to Children and Young People. They are:

• Stop and Search - Ensuring that our use of this power is fair and proportionate and that Children and Young People understand why and how we use it.
• Children in Care - This particularly vulnerable group of Children and Young People tend to be disproportionately represented in the Criminal Justice system and often come to the attention of the police more regularly. Our work seeks to minimise this and understand the reasons why.
• Detention, custody and criminalisation - Our work looks to reduce as far as possible young people coming into police custody by lowering their entry in the Criminal Justice system in the first place and by working with our partners to seek alternative disposals and accommodation.
• Engagement with Children and Young People - Essential in building trust and confidence within this community into the future and to understand their needs.