Bristol has found itself at the centre of national and even international conversations about policing, protest and criminal justice. At the top of the police chain of command is the Chief Constable for Avon and Somerset (ASP). The force covers approximately 1.7 million people across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
And now there is a new sheriff in town. After a selection process led by Mark Shelford, the elected Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Crew was appointed Chief Constable in November 2021.
So who is Crew and how will she handle this powerful and influential role, and deal with the diversity of policing issues in the region?
In an interview on Bristol Unpacked, the Cable’s podcast, Crew chatted with Neil Maggs about challenges, priorities and controversies for the force – from protests, to sexual violence and the war on drugs.
Keep the Lights On
Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.
The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.
We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?
Comments
Related content
Racist and traumatising: inside a Section 60 suspicionless stop and search operation
Officers searched innocent children, disproportionately targeted people of colour and undermined their anti-racism reforms during a 48-hour police operation in February. Their narrative that it was an effective knife-crime deterrent, done with consent, is misleading.
Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Joe Joyce talking rugby, resilience and making a controversial return to the West Country
Neil sits down with the 'King of Southmead' to discuss social media beef after his recent signing for Gloucester, class and culture in rugby, and how it feels to face the end of a sporting career.
Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Green councillor Ani Townsend on art, inequality and the case for a universal basic income
Should the state give people free money? This week Ani and Neil discuss how a universal basic income would work, why supporting the arts is a class issue, and whether ‘eco-populist’ Green leader Zack Polanski can take on the traditional parties – and Reform.
