Sussex Police Gets New Chief Constable: Jo Shiner Takes the Helm
Sussex Police has a new boss. Jo Shiner has been officially named the next Chief Constable, stepping in as the county’s ninth top cop. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the Police and Crime Panel, with Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne backing her all the way. Jo takes over from Giles York on 11 July.
Tougher Policing and More Visible Officers
Katy Bourne praised Jo’s vision during the confirmation hearing. She said:
“Chief Constable Shiner clearly and professionally demonstrated her skills and capabilities. She outlined exciting plans focusing on tougher enforcement and more proactive, visible policing. She’s committed to making Sussex Police tougher on crime, more supportive to victims, and more present on the streets across our towns, cities, and villages.”
Katy added, “I have every confidence Jo will lead our expanding force into the future, delivering top-quality policing to Sussex residents.”
Jo Shiner’s Vision: Protect, Catch, Support
Jo Shiner, who has been Deputy Chief Constable since 2018, shared her priorities for the next five years:
- Protect communities and the wider public
- Catch criminals
- Deliver outstanding service to victims, witnesses, and the public
Jo said, “I’m incredibly proud to lead Sussex Police. Our frontline officers work with pride and professionalism, keeping the public safe every day. We need to listen to all parts of our community — rural, business, online, and visitors alike.”
She is especially focused on crime prevention, saying:
“I’d rather invest in preventing someone becoming a victim than dealing with the aftermath. Policing alone isn’t the answer — partnerships are key.”
Jo also highlighted her role as the national policing lead for children and young people, emphasising support over unnecessary criminalisation.
Stronger Force, Safer Sussex
Thanks to recent funding boosts, Sussex Police has beefed up its capabilities. New Tactical Enforcement Units, rural crime teams, prevention squads, and support staff are already making a difference.
Jo said, “We’ll keep building resources and skills to catch criminals and bring them to justice. It’s communities working with the police that really cracks cases — so earning public trust and confidence is vital.”
A Veteran Cop with a Community Heart
Jo Shiner’s 28-year policing career started in Norfolk in 1993. She rose through the ranks, serving as Chief Superintendent there before moving to Kent as Assistant Chief Constable in 2014. Her background covers operational policing, CID, child and adult protection, firearms, and public order.
Since joining Sussex in 2018, Jo has pushed for visible results — overseeing new enforcement teams, extra PCSOs, and more roads policing officers. She also helped recruit additional officers via national and local funding.
Off duty, Jo is a trustee for Embrace, a charity supporting child victims of crime, and actively fundraises for various causes. She’s a keen sportswoman who’s run marathons and cycled long distances for charity, including The Beachy Head Chaplains. She lives with her husband Andrew and their lively rescued Mountain dog.
