Avon and Somerset 2018/19

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is good at reducing crime and keeping people safe.

The constabulary is good at protecting vulnerable people. Officers and staff have a good understanding of what makes a person vulnerable and they are good at identifying vulnerable people at first contact. They also know how important it is to prioritise the needs of vulnerable people.

As well as focusing on criminal justice outcomes, the workforce understands the need to offer a wraparound service when they encounter vulnerability.

Call handlers communicate well and express empathy. We note the presence of mental health nurses in the constabulary’s control room, to review incidents and offer advice.

The constabulary is committed to building relationships with teachers and children so that any warning signs of abuse, exploitation or neglect are more likely to be spotted early on. It is also working to improve its understanding of potential threats to vulnerable people in cases other than domestic abuse.

The constabulary has trained its staff so that they feel confident in dealing with incidents involving people with mental health conditions. The constabulary also plans to train a number of officers as mental health tactical advisers.

The constabulary is effective at protecting victims of domestic abuse. It is monitoring a slight fall in the number of its arrest rates and bail for suspects of domestic abuse.

As part of the constabulary’s neighbourhood strategy, neighbourhood teams work to safeguard vulnerable victims. And the constabulary makes good use of protective powers where prosecutions haven’t been possible.

The constabulary manages well the risk posed by registered sex offenders. It actively seeks to reduce their risk to the public.

In 2017/18, we judged Avon and Somerset Constabulary to be good at preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. We also judged it to be good at investigating crime, and good at tackling serious and organised crime.