The head of Sussex Police has ordered officers to respect the public in the wake of controversy over the G20 protests in London.

Chief Constable Martin Richards’ comments come as the force prepares for a test of its own public order policing when a demonstration takes place on May Day against the EDO MBM Technology arms factory in Brighton.

More than1,000 people are expected to turn up on Bank Holiday Monday and organisers have refused to reveal their plans as police prepare for a repeat of the disorder which happened at two protests last year.

Demonstrations in Central London have led to claims of Metropolitan Police brutality.

Every officer and member of staff in Sussex Police has received an email from Mr Richards reminding them of the force’s values.

He said: “People’s confidence in policing has been shaken by things they have seen on TV and read in their newspapers, most of it relating to the policing of the G20 protests.

“It is time, I suggest, for a restatement of our values, loud and clear.

“They include integrity, fairness, compassion, courage, openness, generosity of spirit – and humility.”

Officers should see themselves as public servants and he reminded them of the force’s watchwords, Serving Sussex. He said: “In the debate that is gathering about whether the police see themselves as the servants or masters of the people, let there be no doubt where I stand.

“As I have said repeatedly, though in a different context, Serving Sussex is neither a slogan nor a catchphrase – it’s what we do.”

The protest against weapons components factory EDO MBM Technology in Home Farm Road, Moulsecoomb, is planned for noon on May 4.

The location of the “mass street party” is not being released until just before it begins.

Smash EDO has issued a statement in response to an article in The Argus in which police said the cost and the chance of disorder at the May Day event were much greater because they had been unable to negotiate with organisers. It said: “In a climate where our civil liberties are being rapidly eroded, why should we grant more rights to the police in order for them to control us?”

Councillor Ben Duncan, a police authority member, is encouraged by Mr Richards’ comments.

He said: “I hope whatever happens on May 4 we do not see a repeat of what we saw at the G20. I hope no demonstrator or police officer is made to feel threatened or suffer violence or intimidation.”