Sussex Police - History

History

Policing in the county can be traced back to the first force established in Brighton in 1830. A few years later on 13 March 1844 Chief Constable Henry Solomon was murdered in his office by a prisoner he was interviewing. He is believed to be the only chief officer to have suffered such a fate. Prior to 1830 local watchmen were appointed to provide some degree of law enforcement in the area. In 1812, there were some 12 watchmen who were responsible for the town. By 1814 the number had grown to 28 and at this time the title of constable was in use for them. By 1868 the force had grown to 100 officers and helmets replaced top hats.

In 1918 the first woman was appointed as a police officer in this force and by 1930 it had grown to 216 officers. Brighton Police were the first force to introduce police radios on the 14th September 1933. Forces were also established for the counties of East Sussex and West Sussex, as well as separate forces in the boroughs of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. These forces amalgamated temporarily during the Second World War, from 1943 until 1947, but then policing reverted back to the old system for another two decades.

Brighton Borough Police was abolished under the Police Act 1964 and became a part of Sussex Constabulary with Eastbourne Borough Police, Hastings Borough Police, West Sussex Constabulary and East West Sussex Constabulary. Under the same act, the amalgamated forces became Sussex Police, with this finally taking place on 1 January 1968.