Avon and Somerset Constabulary is launching a new website feature telling people about the confidence in policing in their local area.

As part of a national initiative, residents have been contacted by telephone and asked whether they agree that: "The police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in this area.”

The results show that Avon and Somerset residents are becoming more confident in their local police and council. With nearly 7 out of 10 people agreeing that the Constabulary and councils are dealing with those issues that matter the most to them.

The British Crime Survey also found that public confidence in Avon and Somerset Constabulary has risen by nearly 10 per cent, the third highest increase in the country.

Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Dr Moira Hamlin, said: “The Police Authority is pleased with the Constabulary’s progress in public confidence. The 10% rise is a great achievement and we must continue to learn from the good results.

“The Police Authority’s role in scrutinising and monitoring the performance of the Constabulary in regards to local confidence has only today been highlighted as good practice by the Audit Commission and we will continue to work with the Constabulary to improve even further.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Beckley said: "We want the people of Avon and Somerset to have the highest levels of confidence in our delivery of policing services and our results show that we are meeting the Single Confidence Target set by the Home Office. Our improved results have been driven by effective neighbourhood policing, through successfully working with our partners and our commitment to make the communities of Avon and Somerset feel safe and be safe.

“I am pleased that people will now have access to the results, so they can see for themselves that we are working with our partners to tackle the concerns that matter most to them."

To view the results for each district and the new website feature visit http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/localpages/public-confidence-survey-results/
or by the home page of the Police Authority website, www.aspola.org.uk.

The Home Office will publish the results of all police forces next week.