Getting involved

Our meetings  are usually held held in public and you are welcome to attend to either observe or participate in Public Question Time. The Panel usually meets at The Deane House, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Taunton TA1 IHE

Public Question Time
At each meeting of the Panel there is an opportunity for members of the public to submit a statement or ask questions about the Panel’s role in holding the Police and Crime Commissioner to account. The Panel’s statutory responsibilities are set down in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. More information can be found here Police and Crime Panel » Panel’s key roles and responsibilities (avonandsomersetpoliceandcrimepanel.org.uk)

Members of the public who reside or work in the Avon and Somerset Force area may submit a statement or petition or ask a maximum of two questions at a Panel meeting. Before submitting a statement or question please read our Public Information Sheet

Anyone wishing to make a statement or put a question to the Panel is asked to note the following

  1. Questions or statements should be sent to democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk or Patricia.Jones@somerset.gov.uk
  2. They must relate to the Panel’s role and responsibilities (the Police and Crime Commissioner has separate arrangements for dialogue with the public).
  3. They must be put in writing via post, email or the online form below. Statements must be received by 12 noon the working day before the meeting and must be no longer than one side of A4. Questions must be received 3 clear working days before the meeting. You are entitled to ask a maximum of 2 questions and one supplementary question per question submitted after receiving a response.
  4. Your name and address and contact telephone number or email should be provided.
  5. A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for Public Question Time and the Chair will manage this part of the meeting subject to other business.
  6. You will normally be allowed a maximum of 2 minutes.
  7. Statements and questions must be directed to the Chair. Speakers may not take direct part in the debate unless invited by the Chair to do so.
  8. Questions should not be defamatory, frivolous or vexatious or require the disclosure of confidential or exempt information.

We will aim to answer questions which are submitted on time at the meeting. If this is not possible, a response will normally be provided in writing within 5 working days of the meeting.