We meet Jo Shiner - Sussex Police Chief Constable

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career with the police?

I grew up in Norfolk. My father was in the RAF and my mother was a teacher, so public service was important in my family. I joined Sussex Police in 2018 as Deputy Chief Constable, having worked in Kent and Norfolk. Sussex is a beautiful county and since I'm a cyclist and runner, I enjoyed the change from the flatness of Norfolk to the undulations of the Downs. In terms of what kind of work I've been involved in, the joy of the police force is that there is such a lot of variety and choice. I've worked in urban and rural settings, CID, child protection, tactical and strategic firearms and neighbourhood policing.

In my role as Chief Constable, I'm ultimately responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of policing services, making sure we protect the community, catch criminals and deliver outstanding service.

What can you tell us about rural policing issues in Sussex at the moment and initiatives to tackle those issues?

Sussex is a super rural county. There are a number of crimes which impact on our rural communities, and we also recognise the feeling of isolation that some of those may feel. It's important for us to be as visible as we can and to recognise more specialist crimes, such as attacks on animals, poaching, dog theft, trespassing and livestock attacks. We must assist farmers and landowners to report crimes and incidents so that we can take action. Other crimes include the theft of expensive farm machinery and thefts from agricultural units. We have invested in our Rural Crime Team which has been very well received. We continue to build our relationships with farmers and the wider rural communities. The Rural Crime Team are supported by other units, including the Special Enforcement Unit, who pursue those serious and organised criminals who use our road network. We also have a particular focus on heritage crime, which is important.

We encourage everyone to report any suspicious rural activity or crime. People who report things won't always know what we do with their information, but it helps us to build our intelligence picture - it might be the missing part of a jigsaw which can lead to a conviction.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

I've been involved in policing for almost 30 years. I'm passionate about it. I relish the opportunity to serve the public and have the privilege of working with brilliant colleagues. As well as front line staff, there are a lot of roles in the police force that are unseen by the public, and many people working behind the scenes.

What do you find most challenging?

The last two years have been challenging for everyone, and ensuring that we achieved the right balance of supporting the public whilst also protecting them has been interesting to say the least,

Certain crimes increased during lockdown, including 'romance fraud' for people that were isolated and taken in by criminals who exploit the vulnerable. My colleagues who undertake intelligence work and investigate online child exploitation have been working very hard. It's often goes unseen, but it's incredibly important.

Are you someone who has an interest in nature and the outdoors?

Yes absolutely. I have a very exuberant rescue dog and I'm often found, when I'm off duty, on the Downs and in the countryside with him. He will be the one laying in the muddiest puddle of water around!

Of what are you most proud?

My colleagues. When policing is done well, it makes a significant difference to the community.

I am also the very proud Patron of Sussex Search and Rescue (SSAR) whose motto is ‘Bringing the missing home’ and they are a fantastic assistance to Sussex police to do exactly that.

I really believe that if we all operate together for the collective good then everyone benefits.