A decision could be made about plans for the future provision and location of the area’s police helicopter at Avon and Somerset Police Authority’s next and last meeting at the Guildhall on Wednesday 19th September.
The Government’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) is set to launch in October. Members of Avon and Somerset Police Authority have said they are happy ‘in principle’ with the scheme, as long as it delivers savings and Filton airfield remains the police helicopter base.
Police Authority Chair Dr Heffer said: “I’m determined to get the best possible deal for the communities of Avon and Somerset. Although we agreed ‘in principle’ to join NPAS, with a number of caveats, we need to make sure the savings stack up. We will be pouring over the detail and will not be agreeing anything until we are satisfied that it is to the greatest operational and financial benefit of our communities.”
With only a couple of months left of the Police Authority before it is replaced by a directly elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), it is a busy meeting agenda at Bath’s Guildhall. As well as reports on the helicopter there will also be updates on the renewal of the forensic science contract and the police operation of the English Defence League march in Bristol last month.
The Police Authority has a lot to do as it prepares to hand over to the PCC in November. Police Authority Chair Dr Peter Heffer says members are still working as normal to hold the police to account.
He said: “We are focused on the practical preparations as well as the day-to-day business of scrutinising the police force. All my members are proud of what we have achieved and the legacy that we are handing over to the future Police and Crime Commissioner.”
This will be the Police Authority’s final meeting within the local community and the meeting will begin with a presentation by Bath and North East Somerset District Commander Superintendent Geoff Spicer, followed by a question and answer session.
The meeting is open to the public and people are encouraged to arrive by 10am for a prompt 10.15am start. To ensure there is enough space in the room you should call the Police Authority on 01275 816377 or email [email protected] to say that you are attending.
You can take part in the meeting by tweeting questions to @ASPoliceAuth using the hash tag #YPYV.
Avon and Somerset Police Authority is urging people to keep up-to-date with the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners by visiting www.aspola.org.uk/pcc or by following them @AandSPCC on Twitter.
