Bath MP Wera Hobhouse recently joined two officers from Avon & Somerset Police for a ‘ridealong’ as they attended to their frontline duties in the city.
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse with officers from Avon & Somerset Police
The MP had the opportunity to acquire a first-hand understanding of police work and the challenges that officers face.
She praised the police constables’ diligent and respectful approach to community policing.
Wera Hobhouse said: “I was grateful to be able to accompany two of our city’s police officers for several hours to experience for myself the varied challenges they face.
“These included investigating a road traffic collision, interviewing a resident and visiting the Keynsham Police Station.
“The care the police officers took while interacting with a wide range of individuals about their issues and concerns was truly heartening.
“It was inspiring to see members of our local policing team taking such care and pride in protecting our community. I learned a lot about the rigours of police training and how this equips officers to do their jobs so effectively.
“Our city’s police force is a shining example of what good community-based policing looks like. It was fascinating to view their approach first-hand and see how they interacted with the public in such a positive way.
“My warmest thanks to the two officers for the time they spent with me which has further confirmed my very positive impression of our local Avon & Somerset Police force.
“We must continue to support our officers and their efforts to keep us safe. I saw them work diligently all afternoon to do just that and my constituents should feel confident that they are out there looking after all of us.”
BANES Area Commander Ronnie Lungu of Avon & Somerset Police commented: “Our neighbourhood policing and response teams play a key role in ensuring the safety of our communities and providing reassurance to victims of crime.
“Ridealongs offer members of the public the opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes of our organisation, allowing people to see first-hand how officers respond to a range of incidents from burglaries to reports of missing people.
“They also offer an insight into how we work proactively within communities to reduce crime through our preventative work, including community drop-in sessions, school visits and regular patrols.
“As commander for the BANES area, I am pleased that Mrs Hobhouse enjoyed her time out with our officers and heard about all the brilliant work they do to keep our cities, towns and rural communities safe.”
