Neighbourhood Guarantee: 70 additional officers to join Avon and Somerset neighbourhood policing teams 

I strongly support the government’s commitment to neighbourhood policing, it plays a crucial role in making our communities feel safe and building trust and confidence in policing locally.

Avon and Somerset Police will be deploying experienced officers into these additional roles, leveraging their problem-solving, investigative skills, and strong community connections. They will recruit new officers to replace those who are moved into these roles.

The Neighbourhood Guarantee also brings clear expectations regarding what this means for both the police and the communities they serve. Under the Guarantee, all forces are expected to: 

• Increase visible patrols – with more officers back on the beat 
• Deliver community-led policing, with named, contactable officers 
• Introduce a clear pathway for neighbourhood policing officers 
• Crack down on antisocial behaviour 
• Support safer town centres and public spaces 

The first priority within my Police and Crime Plan is to strengthen neighbourhood policing to provide a visible police presence, engage with communities, and tackle anti-social behaviour.  These additional officers are an important step in delivering the change this priority requires.