POLICE chiefs are to publicly address the way officers handled a vigil for Sarah Everard following criticism of the force.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne said she will be putting policing approach to vigils and protests "under the spotlight".
She is due to meet with Jo Shiner, chief constable of Sussex Police, this Friday and the meeting will be broadcast live online.
It comes after MPs criticised the force for its handling of the vigil in memory of Sarah Everard at Valley Gardens in Brighton on Saturday.
READ MORE: Sarah Everard vigil: Sussex Police told they 'got it wrong'
Ms Bourne said: "In my regular accountability meeting with Chief Constable Shiner, I will be looking at the policing over last weekend.
"In particular, I will be asking to hear how any complaints from people attending the vigils are being addressed, including the examination of police body worn video.
“I have been in regular contact with our chief constable since last weekend and I have been reassured the majority of people who attended the vigils adhered to the social distancing and gathering rules which have helped drive Covid levels down.
SEE ALSO: Woman held down and handcuffed by officers at Sarah Everard vigil
“Throughout this pandemic, Sussex Police’s sympathetic approach has been supported by local people but, where individuals choose not to respect lawful behaviour, officers have a duty to act with discretion and enforce the law if necessary.
"Out of the hundreds of people who were gathered over the weekend there was just one arrest and eight fixed penalty notices issued.
“We must look at the evidence and the facts before making judgements about the police handling of a sensitive situation during very difficult times when feelings are running understandably high.”
At the vigil, about 150 gathered to leave flowers and tributes and light candles in memory of Sarah Everard.
One man was arrested during the evening and eight people were issued with fines, while footage also shows a woman being held on the floor and handcuffed by officers.
READ MORE: Sarah Everard Brighton vigil: 'Police were aggressive'
Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle accused Sussex Police of a “heavy-handed” approach after watching the footage of a woman being held down and handcuffed, and called on the force to “learn from their mistake”.
Caroline Lucas said she was "very disappointed" that officers "did not make judgments to fit with the situation" on Saturday night.
Ms Bourne said she would address these issues publicly this Friday.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Friday at 2pm here.
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