Eastbourne Emergency Services Display
July 5th and 6th 2008
Western Lawns, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne


The Largest Display Of Emergency Services In The UK

Most residents seldom have reason to call on our policing services. Even so, we want them to know that local officers are on hand if they are needed – 24 hours a day and 365 days a year – to help keep them safe.

By providing a service which is truly local we are able to focus on issues that matter to you, including ensuring our officers are on the street providing policing that is visible and accessible to you.

Chief Superintendent Nick  Wilkinson, Divisional Commander, East Sussex Division, said:  “We are working with all our partners to create a safer working and living environment. My commitment to the people in East Sussex is to continue to make sure that not only are you safe, but that you feel safe too.  I am extremely proud of what we have achieved for the community that we have a responsibility to protect and serve. Crime is down, we are catching more offenders and the quality of service provided  has improved. Together with our partner agencies we are ensuring crime levels remain low and the county remains a safe place in which to live, work and visit.”

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson added:  “Eastbourne 999 Display is an excellent opportunity for people to meet our local teams in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and ask us questions.  It gives us the opportunity to demonstrate some of our skills and show people who we are and what we do.”

We are very fortunate to announce that this year, and new to the display, will be a visit by the French Gendarmerie Nationale from the Calais/Lille area. Who also be displaying their own police equipment and vehicles. If you have ever wanted to know how the French carry out their duties, they will be there to answer your questions. Along side will be Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit who will once again be displaying their high tech equipment, motorbikes, and a variety of police vehicles. Hopefully a new marked Lotus on loan to Sussex Police will also be there.  Members from the Road Safety Partnership will join them to advise and educate on road safety.

Fun Fact - The first person in Britain to be fined for speeding was the pioneer of the petrol-engine car, Walter Arnold. On January 27, 1896, when there were only 20 cars in Britain, Mr Arnold was driving through Paddock Wood in Kent at 8mph — four times the 2mph limit imposed for built-up areas by the Locomotive Act 1865. A policeman eating his lunch in a nearby cottage abandoned his meal, donned his helmet and chased the car for some distance on a bicycle. The long arm of the law was propelled by powerful legs: the officer eventually apprehended Mr Arnold, who was later fined one shilling.

Ever popular, returning once again will be the Police Dog Display Team who will be showing off their skills in the arena twice daily.

The Public Order Team we will be back again, demonstrating their special skills. If you have ever fancied battering a door down, come along, we have a special display you can do just that.

The force helicopter is hoping to fly by, whilst inside our marquee will be a member of its crew, who will answer all your questions. See what they see with films taken from our craft. Films will run all day.

Reliance Secure Task Management who man our custody centres will be there to show you what it's like in the cells!

Returning for a second year, after rave reviews will be the Royal Navy Clearance Southern Diving Unit. Divers based at Horsea Island in Portsmouth. They will once again bring along a 18,000 litre  dive tank. Together with Sussex Police Underwater Search Unit, divers will be giving an action display….underwater! 

Come and find out all about your local Neighbourhood Watch and take the opportunity to talk with a local officer and meet with some of our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSO).

Information will be available from members from Anti Victimisation Unit promoting the reporting of hate crime and the True Vision Packs. The force recruitment stand will be on hand to answer questions for those thinking of joining the police family.

So why not come along and join the fun?  We hope to see you there.

*All of the above are subject to change and availability on the day subject to operational requirements.