Chief defends investigative work of force

Avon & Somerset's top police officer has defended her force following criticism from government inspectors over how it investigates crime.

- Adam Postans Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

In February, the Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) report, published by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, found delays in criminal investigations being allocated to officers and that supervisors were themselves managing between 80 and 170 cases yet to be assigned.

It said: "The constabulary should carry out timely investigations into all reported crimes, and make sure that officers take all investigative opportunities. Without the timely allocation of investigations, creating investigation plans, and proper supervision, the constabulary can't provide an appropriate service to victims of crime."

Now Chief Constable Sarah Crew has outlined how the force has responded, including beefing up CID teams and trialling artificial intelligence to speed up trawling through clues and evidence.