Crown Prosecution Service South East moves into Brighton Police Station

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police will now be working under the same roof in Brighton - a ‘positive move’ that will better serve the community.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The new CPS South East office at Brighton Police Station in John Street, Brighton, was officially opened by Max Hill QC, the The Director of Public Prosecutions, on Monday, March 9.

The opening was attended by local dignitaries and representatives from local community organisations who work closely with the CPS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hill said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here in Brighton. We need to provide a good place to work and we have certainly found it here.

Dignitaries at the CPS opening in BrightonDignitaries at the CPS opening in Brighton
Dignitaries at the CPS opening in Brighton

“Bringing services together under one roof sends a very positive message to the people of Sussex.

“We hope we will serve the people of Sussex even better.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the new South East Office which is now officially open.”

Frank Ferguson, CPS South East Chief Crown Prosecutor, said he looked forward to the office being a base for many years to come in Brighton.

Dignitaries at the CPS opening in BrightonDignitaries at the CPS opening in Brighton
Dignitaries at the CPS opening in Brighton
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our people are central to everything we do. Without them, we would not be able to prosecute cases and bring justice for victims,” he said.

“It’s important that we provide a high quality working environment for them and this move has enabled us to do that.

“The CPS works closely with the police, as prosecution work often starts before someone is charged and investigations can continue after charge, so to be based together in the same building is a very positive move.

“Moving into this building also has the added benefit of bringing us next to some of our local courts.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

CPS South East is responsible for prosecuting cases in Kent, Surrey and Sussex and has more than 250 members of staff. Of these, just under 100 are based in the Brighton office.

Giles York, Chief Constable of Sussex Police, who recently announced that he will be stepping down after more than 30 years’ service, told guests at the opening: “I want to reflect on what partnership working means to me.

“It feels weird to welcome you to your own office, as I want you to feel at home here.

“Partnership still excites me when I see people from different organisations working at the same tasks and understanding the problems from each other’s side.

“It’s about how we can make each other’s lives easier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We forget at our peril that we’re on the same side in trying to bring justice to bear

“It’s imperative we work together, as working together is so much more powerful than separately.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said she was delighted to be at the opening, adding: “I am very excited about this. It makes a huge amount of sense and if we can improve the way that CPS are able to get their prosecutions through and we can build some intelligence and improve that work with the police as well, what’s not to like about it.”