Avon and Somerset PEEL 2018

This question was not subject to detailed inspection in 2018/19, and our judgment from the 2016 effectiveness inspection has been carried over.

This question was not subject to detailed inspection in 2018/19, and our judgment from the 2017 effectiveness inspection has been carried over.

The constabulary has a clear definition and an effective strategy for vulnerability. At board level, the deputy chief constable monitors progress.

Senior leaders have communicated the constabulary’s definition of vulnerability well. The constabulary has also trained the workforce in relation to vulnerability.

The constabulary uses a combination of problem profiles, strategic assessment and information technology (IT) analysis to identify, understand and tackle problems that are of concern to vulnerable people. It is also skilled at identifying patterns of offending against vulnerable people. The constabulary complements this knowledge and understanding with good working relationships with partner organisations.

The constabulary works proactively with other organisations to uncover hidden harm. It works to protect vulnerable children through Operation Topaz. It offers a robust response to burglary, knife crime and county lines criminality through Operation Remedy. And Operation Encompass involves the sharing of information with schools where domestic abuse has been identified.

The constabulary responds to incidents involving vulnerable people quickly. The workforce shows a good understanding of the need to act straightaway where necessary. The constabulary could give examples where immediate safeguarding has taken place.

The constabulary prioritises attendance at incidents of domestic abuse. Officers and staff know how important it is to protect these victims and make efforts to arrest
where appropriate. Officers and staff also understand the legal powers that are available to them.

The constabulary routinely uses civil and criminal orders to protect the public from dangerous and sexual offenders.

This question was not subject to detailed inspection in 2018/19, and our judgment from the 2017 effectiveness inspection has been carried over.

We have previously inspected how well forces provide armed policing. This formed part of our 2016 and 2017 effectiveness inspections. Subsequent terrorist attacks in the UK and Europe have meant that the police service maintains a focus on armed capability in England and Wales.

It is not just terrorist attacks that place operational demands on armed officers. The threat can include the activity of organised crime groups or armed street gangs and all other crime involving guns. The Code of Practice on the Police Use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons (PDF document) makes forces responsible for implementing national standards of armed policing. The code stipulates that a chief officer be designated to oversee these standards. This requires the chief officer to set out the firearms threat in an armed policing strategic threat and risk assessment (APSTRA). The chief officer must also set out clear rationales for the number of armed officers (armed capacity) and the level to which they are trained (armed capability).