The first police car to carry author and book branding is to be launched at the John Street branch of Brighton & Hove policing division at 2.30pm on Thursday, June 12.
The car, a five-door Hyundai Getz saloon, will feature images and branding for the bestselling crime novelist and Sussex resident Peter James. The car has been provided by the author and his publishers, Pan Macmillan, in recognition of the relationship Peter has built with Sussex CID while researching his Roy Grace novels.
Peter spends an average of one day every couple of weeks with Sussex CID, and a former Detective Chief Superintendent works with Peter to ensure his depiction of police investigations is accurate.
City Commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce, said: "We are very grateful to Peter James and Pan Macmillan for their generous offer in sponsoring a vehicle for the Brighton & Hove policing division. It will prove to be an essential tool which gives our neighbourhood teams greater flexibility to provide an even better quality of policing in the local community. The car will not be used to respond to emergency calls but is solely for use in the local community, to provide visibility and reassurance, and to provide a quick way for officers to get to their local neighbourhood areas."
Peter James said: "Over the years I have worked very closely with Sussex CID to ensure that their policing methods are authentically and fairly represented in my work. I admire the dedication of police officers who often will put themselves at great personal risk in order to protect public safety.
"I am indebted to them for the amazing insight they have given me into their work and I’m delighted to offer, in conjunction with Pan Macmillan, this car as a token of recognition and thanks."
Geoff Duffield, Sales and Marketing Director for Pan Macmillan, said:
"Peter James is one of the world’s bestselling crime thriller brands. But his roots, and those of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, are firmly in the community that is Brighton. This is about putting the brand back into Brighton, and doing it in such a way that contributes to that community. Pan Macmillan is delighted to be supporting Sussex Police in this unique venture."
