Relationships with other authorities

How we deal with other authorities including Crimestoppers, the Crown Prosecution Service, local support organisations and unitary authorities.

Police and Crime Commissioner

The public elect the PCC to hold the Chief Constable and the police force to account, making us answerable to the communities we serve.

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping us to locate criminals and help solve crimes. People can pass on information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Independent Office for Police Conduct

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales and sets the standards by which the police should handle complaints.

Lighthouse Victim Care

Lighthouse offers services to vulnerable, intimidated or persistently targeted victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, and victims of serious crime.

The Bridge

The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

The Crown Prosecution Service

The CPS prosecutes criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales. The CPS:

advises the police on cases for possible prosecution
reviews cases submitted by the police for prosecution
where the decision is to prosecute, determines the charge in the more serious and complex cases
prepares cases for court
presents those cases at court

Unitary authorities

There are five unitary authorities within the Avon and Somerset force area. They are: