Colin Port joined Avon and Somerset Constabulary as the sixth Chief Constable in January 2005, moving from Norfolk Constabulary.

His key aim remains to ensure that people living and working in the force area not only feel safe but are safe.

Mr Port said: "Our policing has improved, as evidenced by letters of appreciation, personal interaction, the quality of investigations and ultimately a continued reduction in crime and an increase in the number of offenders brought to justice.

"This improving record is due to the dedication and commitment of every member of our police family and the support of our communities and partner agencies. But one of our key challenges for the future is to ensure the public are satisfied and confident with our response."

One of our responses, Operation Relentless, continues to help catch more criminals and increase public confidence in policing.

Mr Port said: "Relentless reminds us and the public of what policing is really all about and has been a great success. I would like to see the public more actively involved in Relentless – working with us to drive down crime.

"Policing is too big and important a function to be left to the police alone."

Another great example of how community partnerships can help crime fighting is Neighbourhood Policing, known locally as Safer Stronger Neighbourhoods, which gives communities a greater say in how their area is policed.

Every community in Avon and Somerset now has a dedicated Neighbourhood Team of police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.

Mr Port said: "The roll-out of Safer Stronger Neighbourhoods had had a significant impact upon policing quality and satisfaction. The manner in which these teams continue to support the public and their colleagues is fundamental to improving our service.

"Relationships with the public are also key to our aim of dismantling, disrupting and ultimately destroying organised crime networks.

"This is also vitally important in achieving our aim to prevent and reduce radicalisation and ultimately acts of terrorism."

Mr Port agrees the force must engage with communities across the board, and believes this goes hand in 0hand with creating greater diversity within the workforce

He said: "We need to make sure that we represent the communities we serve, in terms of ethnicity, gender, disabilities and sexual orientation.

"The communities of Avon and Somerset are incredibly diverse – it is what makes our towns and cities so interesting and enjoyable. To maintain the respect a nd understanding of these communities we must ensure that our workforce is just as diverse."

Mr Port accepts the economic situation will provide new challenges for the organisation, but says the constabulary’s involvement with Southwest One puts it in a better position.

Southwest One is a joint venture company Avon and Somerset Constabulary has formed with IBM, Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council with four specific aims:

• Create efficiency savings
• Develop new ways for people to access public services
• Help the police and councils improve services to the community
• Support the development of the local economy

Mr Port said: "Together with the Chair of the Police Authority I am an unpaid director of Southwest One, which helps us ensure that the people of Avon and Somerset Constabulary get good value for money.

"This is an innovative step and one which has already proved valuable for all residents of the constabulary area.

"The economic downturn is affecting us all, but unlike many organisations at the moment our employees’ positions are more secure, because of our involvement with Southwest One.

"We continue to be one of the most under-resourced police services in the country. Under the current funding formula we should receive in the region of £12million a year more, but as part of the funding process this money is redistributed at source to other police forces. This equates to 350 members of staff – just think what we could achieve then!

"I remain extremely grateful to the men and women of Avon and Somerset Constabulary who despite this deliver a very effective level of service. But we can always do better."

Chief Constable’s background:

• Joined Greater Manchester Police in 1974.
• Continued his police service with Warwickshire Police.
• In 1994 worked for the United Nations as Investigations Co-ordinator with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
• Director of Investigations for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
• Former head of the South East Regional Crime Squad.
• Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary.
• Seconded to Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2002 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Rosemary Nelson.

Mr Port is also Chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, the ACPO Lead for International Affairs and Chair of the International Police Assistance Board.

Contact the Chief Constable