Avon and Somerset Constabulary has launched a wide-ranging consultation on plans to re-shape the structure of the force – and it is seeking the views of Burnham-On-Sea residents.
The proposals would put a greater proportion of the Constabulary’s staff into front line roles where they have more direct contact with the public, and more staff will be working at hours that are more closely aligned with public demand.
A cultural change programme will also bring all staff up to the standards of the very best in the service when it comes to supporting victims and treating people with fairness and respect.
Chief Constable Nick Gargan, pictured, said: “The way the Constabulary does its business has not been reviewed for some time.”
“The fact that we will be taking delivery of several new buildings and critical new IT systems in 2014 – combined with the need to make yet further savings – meant that significant organisational change was inevitable.”
“We have also been listening to the outcome of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s consultation with communities as well as to the voices of our own staff. Together they have told us that we can and should do much more to respond to the needs of victims and the communities of Avon and Somerset, and that we would be a better police force if we were more open and more transparent.”
A period of internal and external consultation and discussion will now take place before the new operating model is finally agreed on 23rd December.
The ‘Invent the Future’ programme team has toured the force, from north to south and east to west, asking staff what they would do if they were Chief and what they would put into Room 101. The response to the initial internal consultation exercise has been excellent, the force says, and crucial in helping to shape the new operating model proposal.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens added: “I am pleased that the Constabulary is taking into account the views of local people as it re-shapes the service it provides to communities.”
“The picture that is emerging about the current service reflects what many people have told me over the past year. It is really important to me that policing reflects local needs and I would encourage everyone to have their say on the consultation about what service the public should expect from the Constabulary, before October 26th.”
The constabulary is keen to hear what people think – click here to complete the online survey. The consultation ends on 26 October.
