Plan to protect Bristol’s most vulnerable

A new plan for policing Avon and Somerset prioritising ‘protecting the most vulnerable people from harm’ has been launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

The Police and Crime Plan sets out four policing priorities for the constabulary for the next four-years, giving priority to ‘protect the most vulnerable from harm, including victims of child abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse and hate crime’.

Other priorities set out by the Commissioner and the Chief Constable Andy Marsh include ‘strengthening and improving local policing teams; ensuring Avon and Somerset Constabulary has the right people, the right equipment and the right culture and working together effectively’.

The plan was developed following a public consultation when more than 2,000 people said what was important to them, the policing knowledge from the Chief Constable linked to national policing priorities and input from the Police and Crime Panel.

Speaking about the plan Sue Mountstevens said: “I feel passionately about safeguarding those who are most vulnerable and more likely to be victims of crime, which is why priority one is so important to me.

“In my second-term as Police and Crime Commissioner I have moved away from priorities based purely on crime types. In extending the first priority we are recognising the range of needs that many vulnerable people who come into contact with the criminal justice service have, so that we create a more victim-centred approach to vulnerability and victimisation.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner it’s my job to listen to all voices particularly residents and victims. I face the challenge of determining priorities within shrinking resources. Many issues are often raised with me including visibility and accessibility of the police and local level priorities from speeding to drug dealing. This is why priority two is extremely important to local people and addresses many of their concerns.

“I was clear at my re-election that I want to see Avon and Somerset Constabulary reflect the communities it serves and for officers and staff to have the right equipment and the right culture. Led by Chief Constable Andy Marsh the organisation now needs to ensure it embeds a positive culture and new technology to empower police officers, staff and volunteers.

“It should be no surprise that we cannot achieve all this alone, and priority four ‘working together effectively’ is key to the delivery of this new Plan. I am determined to deliver the best possible service and outcomes for the people of Avon and Somerset. A core part of my role over the next four years will be to bring people together to solve the issues that matter most to local people and victims.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “The Police and Crime Plan articulates a vision for policing in Avon and Somerset that I share with the Police and Crime Commissioner. By working towards the Police and Crime Plan and taking the steps to be as agile, efficient and costs effective as we can, we aim to be an outstanding force providing an effective, efficient and legitimate service that our staff, officers, volunteers and the people we serve can rely and be proud of.”

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