Avon and Somerset Police
South West · Territorial force · 3,200 officers
Key Statistics
Officers
3,200
Staff
1,600
Area (sq miles)
1,855
Population served
1,730,000
About Avon and Somerset Police
Covering Bristol, Bath and surrounding Somerset countryside. A progressive force known for innovation and community policing, with Bristol providing vibrant urban policing challenges.
Avon and Somerset Police is a territorial force serving the South West of England, encompassing a diverse area that includes the urban environment of Bristol and the picturesque Somerset countryside. The force faces unique policing challenges due to its mix of urban and rural landscapes, along with a dynamic transport network that includes major roadways and rail links. With historic sites and popular tourist attractions in the region, police operations often involve managing public safety at large events and celebrations. The force notably borders with South Wales, which can lead to collaborative operations across jurisdictions. Avon and Somerset Police boasts several specialist units, including a Cybercrime Team that addresses the complexities of digital offenses, a Dog Unit trained for various operational tasks, and a dedicated Rural Crime Team focusing on agricultural issues and wildlife protection. Recent initiatives highlighted by the force emphasize community engagement and public safety, particularly during community-run events, where policing resources are deployed to ensure safe and welcoming atmospheres. The focus on innovation within policing practices is also evident, making this force an attractive option for potential applicants seeking progressive career opportunities.
Current priorities
- Enhancing community safety initiatives
- Combating cybercrime
- Addressing rural crime issues
- Collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions
- Community engagement during public events
Notable specialisms
Source: About Avon and Somerset Police. Summary fetched 2026-07-05.
Public-data snapshot
Workforce
Officers
3,200
Staff
1,600
Total headcount
4,800
Source: Home Office Police Workforce Statistics as of 31 March 2025 · OGL v3
HMICFRS PEEL rating
requires improvement
Inspection cycle: 2023-2025
Source: HMICFRS PEEL assessments · Open Government Licence v3.0
In recent oversight reports
Avon and Somerset Police is named in 2 recent IOPC investigation outcomes or HMICFRS thematic reports.
IOPC investigation into Avon and Somerset Police actions following the death of a teenager on the M5
2025-12-05 · IOPC
Terms of reference: Home Secretary’s commission for a thematic inspection of the handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services
2023-07-19 · HMICFRS
From data.police.uk
data.police.uk covers England, Wales & Northern Ireland; not Police Scotland.
Stop and search
Latest available month: 2026-08. 589 recorded stop-and-search records that month. Officer-defined ethnicity was recorded on 85.1% of records.
By object of search (2026-08)
| Controlled drugs | 280 |
| Offensive weapons | 94 |
| Stolen goods | 69 |
| (not recorded) | 56 |
| Article for use in theft | 41 |
| Articles for use in criminal damage | 30 |
| Anything to threaten or harm anyone | 7 |
| Evidence of offences under the Act | 5 |
| Psychoactive substances | 4 |
| Firearms | 3 |
By outcome (2026-08)
| A no further action disposal | 293 |
| Arrest | 116 |
| (not recorded) | 98 |
| Community resolution | 33 |
| Khat or Cannabis warning | 29 |
| Caution (simple or conditional) | 12 |
| Summons / charged by post | 8 |
Source: data.police.uk · Open Government Licence v3.0
Recorded crime by category
15,818 crimes recorded by Avon and Somerset Police in 2026-08 (latest published month), by category. Counted from the published street-level archive; England, Wales & Northern Ireland only.
| Crime type (2026-08) | Recorded |
|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 5,828 |
| Anti-social behaviour | 2,559 |
| Shoplifting | 1,956 |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,202 |
| Other theft | 1,072 |
| Public order | 726 |
| Vehicle crime | 705 |
| Burglary | 609 |
| Other crime | 277 |
| Robbery | 271 |
| Drugs | 252 |
| Bicycle theft | 162 |
| Possession of weapons | 131 |
| Theft from the person | 68 |
| Total | 15,818 |
Source: data.police.uk street-level archive · Open Government Licence v3.0
Misconduct hearing outcomes
6 published misconduct-hearing outcomes for Avon and Somerset Police. Officer names are omitted; follow the source link for the full published record.
Deaths during or following police contact
IOPC-recorded fatalities involving Avon and Somerset Police over 2004/05 to 2024/25 (2024/25 in brackets). These use the IOPC’s five categories, which have different definitions and are not additive. Figures count incidents the IOPC attributed to Avon and Somerset Police; see the national page for how multi-force incidents are handled.
Recruitment
How to join Avon and Somerset Police
Application stages, entry routes, fitness and vetting requirements.