Taken from http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/

The Government has now outlined the preferred options for all forces in the restructuring.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Police Authority had submitted four preferred options to the Government.

One of the options for a regional South West force has been included in the Governments preferred options which are ‘suitable for progression’.

The other options which included Avon and Somerset as a stand alone force have been deemed ‘not suitable’, the Government said: ”In developing solutions, all partners must take account of the need to ensure a coherent fit with the wider regional and national landscape and this option would severely limit available options for the remaining forces in the region’.

The Government has put forward a second preferred option which would be Avon and Somerset joining with Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to create one force. Devon and Cornwall would stand alone.

Chief Constable Colin Port said: “I have previously stated that I consider the time right to examine the structures of policing across the UK.

“Myself and my staff are committed to providing the best service to the public that we can.

“Our team of experts will now work on these options to ensure the best result for the communities of Avon and Somerset.

“We will meet regionally with the other forces to ensure whatever option is chosen it is the best one to take policing in the region into the future.”

Dr Moira Hamlin, chair of the police authority, said: “We are disappointed Avon and Somerset is not being considered as a stand alone force.

“However, we will meet with our regional counterparts and ensure we are working together to make sure any restructuring is the best option for all involved forces and their communities.

“The overriding consideration for the police authority is to continue to strongly support neighbourhood policing which is being developed on a local level as the core service to our communities for the future.”

Avon and Somerset has been liasing with staff and their partners throughout this process.

A consultation questionnaire for local residents will soon be placed on the force website so their views on the two options can be taken on board.

What do you think about new 'super forces' E.g.

Its all about saving money, I cant see any benefits.

Got the e-mail today about it, mmm, not too sure about it yet.

Hey Jon , nice to know your next nearest backup unit is in somerset

Theyll be divided into sub sections with asst chief constable and a couple of depot chief constables like here it works for us. Normal beats, and reg units have very little to do with officers in different counties other than the odd phone call here and there but as a national unit we have alot of comms with regional drugs units and we dont seem to have any problems with it

What about the uniforms and vehicles etc..? Will they get a new standard uniform?

The whole country is moving towards a national standard uniform , in fact its not far off that now talking to eveyone on here issued kit is pretty close.

The uniform should already be standard across the country, hence everyone going from white shirts who used to wear blue.

Yea but jackets and hi vis stuff varies quite alot