No extra police officers for asylum base protests

No additional officers are deployed for protests – including for those against plans to temporarily house 540 asylum seekers at a former military site, a police chief has said.

The Home Office previously confirmed plans to use the Crowborough army training camp as part of efforts to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation, sparking several marches in the town.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner said the force was well prepared for protests, including in Crowborough, but no extra officers were deployed.

"They are the same officers who are doing our everyday policing, who are then taken off those duties in order for us to be able to police the protests," she said.

Ms Shiner said the force had well-established processes in place to deal with protests.

"And we always have the ability to call upon mutual aid from other forces," she told Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne at a performance and accountability meeting on Thursday.

Earlier this month, a man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after reports of a group of people blocking the entrance to the Crowborough army training camp.

The Chief Constable said the police had a duty to protect the rights of protesters and counter-protesters.

"Individuals have a right to express their views freely, even if they are at odds with each other," she said.

"Sometimes we're looking to balance very, very, very emotive topics, understandably emotive topics, whilst remaining impartial."

She added: "Protest is designed to attract opposing views. And just because some are louder, doesn't make them any more right, or any more wrong."

In the meeting, Deputy Chief Constable Dace McLaren also revealed that four people took their own lives after leaving the custody of Sussex Police last year – all of which were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr McLaren said custody staff received training to identify "tell-tale signs" of mental health problems and help was signposted for those leaving custody.

"Our responsibility is to make sure that when our duty of care stops, that they have the opportunity to get support from elsewhere," he added.

"We are not equipped as a police force to provide that support. It is on the individual's onus for them to seek help."

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