AS I reach the milestone of 100 days as your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), it’s a good time to take a moment to reflect.

These first few months have been a steep learning curve for me, and I feel deeply privileged to represent our diverse communities across Avon and Somerset.

From Bath and North East Somerset to Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset to South Gloucestershire, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many impressive people and organisations, making a difference in shaping the safety and well-being of our communities.

I’ve been out, meeting with police teams, community leaders, charities, and local businesses.

These visits have given me invaluable insights into the work happening behind the scenes. 

There has also been time to read and have individual conversations to add to my understanding of how to have an impact in this role.

It has been equally impressive to witness first-hand the efforts being made to support victims, help vulnerable young people, and find solutions to prevent crime.

During one of my recent engagement days in Bristol, I visited Barnardo’s Against Child Exploitation (BACE), where I learned about their award-winning Night Light scheme - a partnership with One25 and the police that provides critical support to young people at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation.

I also spent time discussing work to reduce reoffending with local leaders, learning about the vital work being done to support prison leavers as they rebuild their lives through employment.

These encounters have left me both inspired and hopeful. Every day, dedicated professionals and volunteers are making a difference, and I look forward to collaborating with them to support better outcomes for our communities.

It’s important to recognise there are continuous annual challenges for policing, such as the increase in demand for policing over the busy summer months and the complexity of issues they are dealing with.

Avon and Somerset Police is also underfunded relatively, compared to other forces nationally.

The recent uplift in officers has seen lots of new recruits to the service, which provides wonderful opportunity for fresh perspectives to support cultural change and innovation, but I am mindful of the time needed to meet the training needs as the new officers learn about policing.

One of my key priorities as your PCC is to set a clear strategic direction for our police service.

I’m inviting everyone in Avon and Somerset to give their ideas on how the police and other partners can deliver against my priorities.

Your insight is essential on the draft Police and Crime Plan and exploring the funding of our police service.

Please take part in my consultation and share your ideas on what will have an impact on delivery against these priorities.

You can do so through my website, and the survey will be open until October 21.

I’m listening, and I want to hear from you. The priorities in my draft Plan were inspired by what people shared with me during my campaign and in the time since.

Please visit my website and have your say: https://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/about/police-crime-plan24-29/