IAGs are ‘critical friends’ to the police. We raise issues that concern our communities, share experience and knowledge and, if we think something isn’t right or could be done better, we will challenge police officers, staff and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
But, IAGs are only as good as the volunteers that join them. IAG members are all volunteers, living and working in Avon and Somerset.
Although they represent a huge variety of communities, businesses, venues, faiths and cultures, they all have one thing in common – they want to make a positive difference to policing across the region.
There are a number of different IAG in the Avon and Somerset Police force area:
- Strategic – advising at the top level of our police service
- Geographical – from South Gloucestershire to Bristol and across the whole of Somerset
- Women’s – focusing on gender-related policing
- Young Person’s – giving young people a voice in influencing police policy
- Counter Terrorism – helping to prevent and prepare for acts of extremism
Each IAG is supported by local police co-ordinators, usually officers with direct experience of the local area or specialism, who act as day-to-day points of contact between their group and the police departments.
IAGs usually meet every three months and there are sometimes additional training opportunities or special meetings to attend.
Find out more about how to join an IAG.
Who do we work with?
Avon and Somerset Police
Avon and Somerset Police cover one of the largest areas in England and Wales. Formed in 1974, they are responsible for the safety of many diverse physical, economic and social environments from the cities of Bristol and Bath to rural and coastal area.
Covering 1,855 square miles, they police a diverse population of 1.65 million people and approximately 679,000 households. The force’s vision is for ‘outstanding policing for everyone’.
Find out more about Avon and Somerset Police.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Avon and Somerset
Avon and Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is elected every four years, and acts as the voice of the communities, holding several duties. These include:
- publishing a Police and Crime Plan, in consultation with the Chief Constable and local people
- setting the strategic direction for the police force
- setting the policing part of the council tax precept, and budget for the police
- holding the Chief Constable to account for delivering policing and ensuring the police force is efficient and effective
- supporting and challenging police performance
- engaging with communities, including victims
- commissioning victim support services and awards grants in the community
- working with partners in the areas of criminal justice and community safety
Find out more about the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.
The College of Policing
The College of Policing is a professional body for everyone working across policing. It is a public body which is completely independent of police operations or government departments.
Their role is to:
- give a voice to professional policing on standards, skills and capabilities
- connect everyone working in the police and law enforcement
- use evidence-based knowledge in everything they develop
- help the public, police officers and police staff (including researchers, academics and learning providers, the international policing community)
Find out more about the College of Policing.
The Amjid Ali Award
The Amjid Ali Award recognises the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) members making outstanding contributions to their communities. Find out more about the award.