We set the strategic direction for the Constabulary and are responsible for:

• Setting the police budget and deciding how much council tax should be raised for policing.
• Appointing the Chief Constable and senior police officers.
• Consulting widely with local people to find out what they want from their local police and setting targets for achievement.
• Making sure community views and priorities are reflected in the policing of Avon and Somerset.
• Monitoring how well the police perform against the targets we set them.
• Publishing a three year plan and an annual plan which tells local people what they can expect from their police service and reports back at the end of the year.
• Making sure local people get best value from their local police.
• Promotes equality for all.
• Holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of local communities
• Monitoring the handling of complaints from the general public
• Dealing with complaints against Chief Officers including any disciplinary action.

We also…

Inform the public of their rights regarding police stops and monitor the Constabulary’s use of them and operate the Independent Custody Visiting scheme, through which trained members of the community check on the conditions of detainees in police custody.