A new Local Policing Area Superintendent has been appointed for Bath and North East Somerset.
Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Superintendent Ronnie Lungu has taken on the role following Avon & Somerset Police’s introduction of a new geographical policing model, which brings Neighbourhood Policing and Response teams together under a single command across three Basic Command Units (BCUs) – Somerset, Bristol and North East.
The force says the new structure is designed to increase leadership visibility and enable faster, more coordinated local decision-making.
Ronnie is already well known in the area, having previously served as Chief Inspector for Neighbourhood Policing in Bath and North East Somerset.
He now returns to the district as Superintendent and has outlined his background, priorities and vision for B&NES.
He said: “I’ve spent almost 23 years in policing, beginning my career with Wiltshire Police, where I gained extensive experience working with rural communities.
“I later moved to Avon and Somerset Police, working in complex urban areas including South Bristol and Bath.
“BANES is a place I know well and care deeply about. When I last served here two years ago, I worked closely with local authorities, businesses, transport partners and community groups to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and public safety concerns, including leading multi-agency action to disrupt county lines drug supply, dismantling four organised criminal networks and safeguarding vulnerable young people.
“Following that role, I undertook a national strategic secondment, working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and collaborating closely with the College of Policing, the Home Office, HMICFRS and other national stakeholders.
“This gave me a broader perspective on how local policing connects with national priorities, and I’m excited to bring that learning back to BANES.
“One of my key priorities will be reducing retail crime and antisocial behaviour in Bath city centre and surrounding areas. Building on the changes I oversaw as the force’s Business Crime lead – including simpler QR-code crime reporting for retailers and dedicated Business Crime liaison officers in every neighbourhood team – I will continue to drive this work forward locally.
“Tackling violence against women and girls will also be a core priority. This will include continuing proactive initiatives such as Op Vigilant, which uses plain-clothed and uniformed officers in the night-time economy to identify and intervene against predatory behaviour before serious harm occurs.
“I am committed to working closely with partners, including local authorities, specialist services, universities and charities, to prevent harm, improve safety in public spaces and support victims.
“By combining education, early intervention and enforcement, and by listening to the lived experiences of women and girls, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference.
“I’m proud to work with dedicated officers and staff – every day they work hard with professionalism and commitment to keep our communities safe. Supporting them will be one of my top priorities, so we continue to deliver outstanding policing for everyone.”
