Police plan puts vulnerable victims first

POLICE officers across Avon and Somerset will prioritise victims of crime and local views after the release of the 2012/13 policing plan.

The plan, put together by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Avon and Somerset Police Authority sets out issues that have been identified as important by local people, and how the police will deal with them.

The core priorities of the plan are to make sure vulnerable victims are well-supported and that crime is properly investigated, while another goal is working in partnership with other agencies to ensure that offenders are managed well.

The plan is the last to be put together before the authority is replaced by a directly-elected police and crime commissioner later this year.

Dr Peter Heffer, chairman of the authority, said: “Over the past 12 months, we have spoken to hundreds of people about their policing priorities.

“These views, and consultation the constabulary has carried out have helped us set ambitious goals for the forthcoming year.

“The police authority intends to support and scrutinise the constabulary to build on its performance success and continue to make improvements to ensure a lasting legacy for the incoming police and crime commissioner in November.”

Chief Constable Colin Port said: “Avon and Somerset Constabulary has once again had an outstanding year.

“Despite this we will not sit on our laurels but will continue to work with the support of our community to make Avon and Somerset an even safer place.”