Questioning the Chief Constable: Addressing challenges in crime investigations
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody hosted Police Question Time (PQT) on 16th April 2025, focusing on investigations of crimes.
The latest report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Avon and Somerset Police’s crime investigations as “Requires Improvement.”
As outlined in PCC Clare Moody’s Police and Crime Plan, Priority five aims to improve policing standards. During this PQT, Clare addressed concerns about delays in investigations, and the overall quality of police work in these areas.
During the PQT, Clare asked Sarah Crew, Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, why there were delays in responding to investigations and what steps are being taken to address these challenges.
Sarah Crew explained that that while the force has invested in people and training to improve capacity, the volume and complexity of crimes have significantly increased. For example, in 2014, officers would handle about 13 crimes a year on average; now, that figure has risen to 40.
Sarah Crew also said crimes are becoming more complex. The internet child abuse team, for instance, has seen a 1500% rise in cases, meaning around 1,250 more crimes were reported last year alone.
Clare also addressed concerns around unallocated crimes and the positive outcome rate of 10%. To hear about this, you can watch PQT back on:
The next PQT will focus specifically on missing persons. PCC Clare Moody invites the public to submit their questions ahead of time. You can send these to policequestiontime@avonandsomerset.police.uk