Sir Prised, online: I'd like to ask what you can do about sentencing. Time and time again we see the public bemoaning the pathetic sentences for violent crime, then made worse by parole which no one understands, because the process simply isn't transparent – which it should be – justice seen to be done etc.

Sentences for knife crime should be severe, time-served and then any penalties for bad behaviour ADDED to the original sentence. The so-called justice system is currently failing the public badly because it simply ignores the deterrent element of sentencing.

(KB): I do sympathise with victims of crime and their families particularly when they do not feel that justice has been served. As a member of the Sussex Criminal Justice Board (which includes representation from partner agencies such as the court service and probation) I am working closely with other members to identify areas of success and to look for improvements where they are needed in order to reduce re-offending, prevent crime and improve public confidence.

I am pleased to note that satisfaction in the overall experience of the criminal justice system has remained consistent in Sussex at 83% since I was elected and I will continue to work hard to improve public confidence throughout my term of office.

I have also established a Victim's Commissioning Steering Group to conduct a needs analysis across Sussex. As PCC I will soon be responsible for all the funding for victims services so it is important that the best services are commissioned for victims, witnesses and their families across Sussex.

Anonymous, online: Why is it that the only time I see a policeman on a street it is on the TV in Downing Street? Do the police think the public do not deserve the same protection as the multi-millionaires in government?

(KB): I believe that everyone in Sussex has the right to feel safe on the streets and in their own homes and I know that more visible policing matters to the public.

That is why I opened recruitment for the first time in more than three years and Sussex Police has just recruited an extra 80 Police Constables and 30 PCSOs. In addition, 32 civilian Response Investigator roles have also been created in order to release warranted officers on to the frontline. In August, I also launched a campaign to recruit 120 more Special Constables and to date, over 700 completed applications have been received.

Fredflintstone1, online: When are you going to ensure that the police use existing legislation to ensure that those wishing to play sports or use public parks are not prevented from doing so by intimidating itinerant groups who pitch up with their numerous vehicles, and then proceed to litter across public land?

Does not the current lack of an effective police response in many cases of this type under the Chief Constable indicate a clear dereliction of duty on his part? Can we have an assurance that you will order an investigation into all cases of this type over the past year within the boundaries of parks in Brighton & Hove and explain why this persistent law-breaking is being tolerated?

(KB): I am very aware of the issues surrounding unauthorised encampments as this affects most of Sussex at some point during the year and forms a significant part of the correspondence to my office.

Trespass is a civil offence and, as such, the responsibility lies with the local authority in the first instance. I recently met with the leader and chief executive of Brighton & Hove City Council to see if, collectively, we could find a way forwards. I am doing everything within my power to ensure these issues are dealt with appropriately and that Sussex Police maintains a consistent approach. It is also vital that local people are kept fully informed at every stage and I will continue to make sure that the police are working closely with councillors and other agencies to resolve matters as and when they occur.

LeonBIank6, online: How do you justify the cost of police dogs? (Look at the figures and see what they really do.) How do you justify the cost of the helicopter? (Look at the figures and see what they really do.) How do you justify the size of some of the PCSOs? (Look at their figures and ask yourself are they really a crime-fighting machine?) How do you justify the time it takes to clear up road accidents? (Unless somebody is trapped in a car, ambulance arrives, a few photos, a tow truck and hey presto – reopen the road. Instead the police cause traffic chaos, faffing about).

(KB): I fully support the use of police dogs in the fight against crime – both they and their handlers are able to carry out very specific tasks that other officers are unable to do.

Residents tell me all the time how much they value their local PCSOs who play such an important role in the heart of our communities, keeping people safe. Investigating serious road traffic collisions often involves in-depth forensic examinations and the specialist officers who do this must ensure that their evidence is sound.

The South East region is now served by NPAS (National Police Air Service) which is based in West Yorkshire and is operated nationally.

Value for money is an important part of my Police and Crime Plan and I continue to work hard to drive out inefficiencies wherever I can.

Jubbles, online: Why are Sussex Police so reluctant to move on travellers using Section 61 when all criteria are satisfied? I recently documented all the criteria as totally satisfied in an unauthorised encampment in Lynchet Close, Brighton, yet police claimed the threshold was not met (in clear contradiction of the facts). This ridiculous attitude resulted in extensive legal costs to get a court order. WHY?

(KB): Section 61 is a police power that is applied according to a set of strict criteria and trespass is not a criminal offence. As a civil offence, it is the responsibility of the local council to deal with in the first instance, but it is also important that they work with all partner agencies, including Sussex Police in order to maintain a consistent approach. It is also vital that local residents are kept fully informed at every stage. I will continue to make sure that the police work closely with councillors, MPs and other agencies in this regard.

Maxwell's Ghost, online: Katy, last month my wife and I called the police to report a crime in process. We had the vehicle number plate and I wrote a full description on a pad of the offender to give officers. On calling the switchboard the civilian taking the call was not interested in the slightest and even questioned me as to how I knew a crime was being committed and was quite rude and dismissive. Since reporting the crime no one has called me back. Why is this and why should the public bother to help protect their communities?

(KB): I am disappointed to hear that you received a negative response from the police call handler after taking the time to report what you believed was a crime in progress. You should have received a police crime reference number (also called a serial) when you made the call. Please call 101, the non-emergency number quoting this serial and the investigating officer should be able to update you. It is so important that members of the public come forward and report crimes to the police and I really hope this experience does not deter you or other readers from continuing to do this. If you would like to speak to me personally on this matter, please do contact me: spcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk

We are the 99%, online: Do we EVER see a policeman/woman on the beat on our streets? Do we EVER see s patrol car, patrolling our areas? And these PCSOs! I don't want to denigrate what they do, but too many are clearly overweight and it does not look good! It is bad enough that PCSOs are a laughing stock, without their appearance making it worse! I am overweight! But I am not the one who is supposed to be upholding the law.

(KB): I am working hard to improve visible policing by opening up recruitment, the first time in more than three years, because that this is what the public have told me they want. The work of a PCSO can be physically demanding as they patrol their neighbourhood each day in all weathers working closely with the community. New recruits undergo a fitness test – the same for police officers and Special Constables – which includes running and strength tests. This is in addition to a medical.

The fitness test ensures that they can manage the physical aspects of the role. Following the Windsor Review there is now a requirement on all officers to undergo continuous fitness assessments.

David Andrews, by email: How can you defend an increase to the council tax precept when you promised to freeze the rate in your election manifesto?

And how can you justify the increase as the police continues to be cut?

(KB): I fulfilled my election pledge not to raise the precept in my first year of office and, as a result, residents have paid the same amount for policing in Sussex for the last four years. However, in order to meet the emerging crime threats, I need to consider whether it is necessary to secure additional funding next year.

I believe the majority of Sussex residents understand future policing challenges and combined with the fact that Sussex pays the lowest amount for its policing precept of all Shire forces and the fourth best value for money in England and Wales, I’m hoping that most people won’t mind paying a little more. I would hope the public have the confidence in me as their PCC to make the right decision to ensure Sussex residents have the best possible police service.

Jack Shufan, by email: Crime figures are going down but is it more to do with lack of crime being detected and reported (especially with police stations closing and fewer officers) than crime actually dropping?

(KB): Since taking office, overall crime in Sussex has reduced by 8.7%. I believe this is because local communities are engaging with the police and have many new ways to report crime and access police services other than walking into a police station. Organisations like Neighbourhood Watch also do a great job in connecting communities with the police to encourage reporting of crime.

By increasing visible policing with my recruitment of 80 PCs, 30 PCSOs, 32 civilian Response Investigators, 120 Special Constables – this will also deter criminals.

However, I am very pleased that the reporting of crimes like domestic abuse and violence together with serious sexual offences have increased by 2% along with hate crime by 29%. This shows that victims have confidence in reporting these often ‘hidden crimes’ because they feel they will be safe and receive the right care and support from specially trained officers.

Regarding police stations, my pledge to the people of Sussex is that I will not close any building until a better or suitable alternative has been found.

Dean Sharpe, by email: Do you agree with single-manned police cars as an effective and safe way to reduce response times? Are you not concerned about the welfare of officers?

(KB): Single-crewed police vehicles have been used for a number of years by many police forces. Many calls that officers attend will not be dangerous and will only need one officer to deal with them effectively.

However, in Sussex we do not have a blanket policy. There will be a mix of both double-crewed and single-crewed cars out at all times of the day, with more double-crewed vehicles at night.

Sussex Police has specially trained controllers who, when a call comes in, assess what is needed and have the discretion to deploy officers in the most efficient and effective way.

Local supervisors also have the discretion to decide on the type of resource they deploy, which can be changed depending on the need.