Police awards

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson opened the event and highlighted the success of the division in the last year.

He said: "There have been 3,063 less crimes, 245 less burglaries, 529 less vehicle crimes and 554 less public place violent crimes.

"This is a significant reduction in crime and there is also a strong detection rate on the division.

"This event celebrates our achievements and the hard work which took place around the merger to make all this possible."

Sussex Police Authority chairman Cllr Peter Jones presented certificates to more than 30 members of staff and officers and congratulated them on their efforts.

He said: "Representing the consumers I can say this feels good, looks good and the figures are outstanding, which means so much to our communities. The division should be proud of what it has been able to achieve in the last year. We are offering value to all the people we serve.

"Sussex Police has led the nation in Neighbourhood Policing, we pioneered it and its working effectively. All of us in Sussex Police & Sussex Police Authority should be proud. We have brought together two areas to form an effective operation to take us forward for the future."

Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo and Sussex Police Authority members Carole Shaves and Margery Turner heard the chairman thank everyone involved.

The following received Merger Awards at the ceremony:

Insp Neil Ralph, Sue Cork, Insp Nicholas Chrusciel, DI Mike Ashcroft, Robin Davies, Owain Gower, Louise James, Helen Parke, Ceri Farrell, Elaine Netts, Adrian King-Cox, Victoria Hogsden, Claire Daws, Sarah O'Shaughnessy, Rob Mackay, Victoria Knight, Clive Mellor, Suzanne Wallis, Zoe King, Theresa Blowers, DCI Andrew Gooch, Insp Alison Eaton, CI Steve Brookman, DI Till Sanderson, Steve Long (retired Insp), Ben Pawley, David Pascall, Chris Baldwin and Liz Chapman.

igel Pearson, Karin Nolan, Victoria Hogsden and Karen Hurrell were unable to attend but will be receiving certificates.