A thank you to our volunteers
This week, I brought together volunteers from our scrutiny panels to celebrate the vital work they do in supporting my role as Police and Crime Commissioner.
The work they do takes time, care, and dedication – it often happens quietly, behind the scenes, and yet sits right at the heart of what my office delivers.
At the celebration event (19 May), we had volunteers from across our Independent Scrutiny of Police Complaints Panel, Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel, Out of Court Resolutions Scrutiny Panel, Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, and Tackling Disproportionality Independent Scrutiny Board.
They help me hold policing to account; to ensure that policing interactions with the public are lawful, proportionate, and handled with dignity. To identify areas of improvement, ask the challenging questions, and ensure the voice of the public is represented in policing.
Over the last year, they have delivered tangible results. They have reviewed closed police complaint files, driven improvements in stop and search policy and detainee welfare, implemented new feedback systems, helped set clearer standards on Body Worn Video and compliant handcuffing, scrutinised data and decision making, and strengthened how the system responds to victims, children and disproportionality.
This event was an important opportunity to not only recognise the brilliant work they do, but also for me to hear their views directly and gather important feedback and reflections.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to listen, lead, and press for action where change is needed. I am incredibly grateful for the expertise they bring, the standards they uphold, and the difference they make for people across Avon and Somerset – they play a crucial role in serving the public and building trust and confidence in the system.
