What a shame The Argus (May 20) chose to concentrate on some negative comments about Sussex Police's fact-finding mission to San Francisco, and not its importance.

No councillor supports unnecessary overseas travel, however, the benefits of this visit to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are clear.

Moreover, it is important to stress taxpayers money was not used for the visit, which was funded by a private police association. Nor was there any reduction in policing levels as a result.

There has been good progress in the relationship between the police and the LGBT community in the last couple of years, especially in relation to the reporting of homophobic incidents. This is largely due to the proactive communitybased policing by the officers involved in the visit, who have increased confidence and trust in the community.

It is important they have the opportunity to build on this and learn the lessons of policing communities with similar demographics.

Where better than San Francisco, which has a shared experience with Brighton and Hove in such matters and which can learn from our experiences here, too?

The officers have already briefed the council's equalities forum and agreed to report back on their progress following the visit.

We give them our full support.

-Cllrs Simon Burgess (Labour), Paul Elgood (Liberal Democrat) and Simon Williams (Green)