A COUNCILLOR who helps to hold the police and crime commissioner to account has encouraged residents to take advantage of a public meeting where they can quiz the crime chiefs.

Geoffrey Theobald, one of two Brighton councillors on the county’s Police and Crime Panel, spoke ahead of the October 6 public meeting which will feature commissioner Katy Bourne, chief constable Giles York and Sussex Police commander for Brighton and Hove Nev Kemp.

The leader of the Conservative group on Brighton and Hove City Council said: “If the police and crime commissioner, who I think is doing a very good job, our chief constable and divisional commander are prepared to offer themselves for a public meeting then I would hope as many residents as possible would go along.

“There must be questions they want to pose and now they will have the opportunity to do so.

“It is good that the police and crime commissioner in particular are prepared to come along and answer questions from residents, and I am sure there will be many.”

The three police chiefs will be answering pre-submitted and audience questions in an evening meeting at Hove Town Hall, chaired by The Argus editor Michael Beard.

Questions can be on any policing topic but it is expected the discussion will cover domestic abuse, burglary, sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, protests, public satisfaction in the police and travellers.

Chief Constable York has said he wants “to hear the views of the residents of Brighton and Hove about the policing issues which are important to them”.

Any questions not aired on the night will be answered later and published online, unless they contain personal information.

It is the first in a series of events Mrs Bourne will host around Sussex in the next six months, which she has said will “set the context for policing in Sussex”.

The Argus will also be live-blogging and streaming the event at theargus.co.uk.

Doors open at 6pm and the event will finish at 7.45pm. Everyone is welcome and the event is free. Email questions to news@theargus.co.uk or write to Quiz Your Police and Crime Chiefs, c/o Rachel Millard, The Argus, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton BN1 8AR.

Alternatively, call 01273 544512 or visit sussex-pcc.gov.uk to submit questions and register. Space will be limited so registration is recommended.