[8] Later in the 19th century the Local Government Act 1888 required that all boroughs with populations of less than 10,000 amalgamate their police force with the adjoining county constabulary.

[5] In 2014, the force announced that in order to reduce its budget, it would close 12 local police stations as part of a planned 36% reduction of the number of buildings it occupied.

[11] In 2006, the Home Office announced plans to reduce the number of police forces in the UK from 42 to 24 to try to save money.

The plans were publicly criticised by all the forces involved, stating that it would lead to poor quality service and a reduction in local policing.

[12] In February 2010, plans for a merger of the five South West police forces (Avon and Somerset; Wiltshire; Dorset; Gloucestershire; and Devon and Cornwall) were re-evaluated by the Home Office in a bid to reduce spending.

In November 2012, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens announced that she would invite applications for the role rather than extending his contract.

[13] In January 2013, Port took the PCC to court to seek an injunction to block the interviews of candidates for the post of chief constable, but his case did not succeed.

There are nine cadet units – Bath, Bristol Central, Hartcliffe, Patchway, Portishead, Bridgwater, Southmead, Speedwell, and Weston-super-mare.

[36] From 2013 to 2019, specialist teams – roads, firearms and police dogs – operated in collaboration with the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire forces.

[37] Male police officers and Special Constables (up to and including the rank of Sergeant_ on foot patrol wear the traditional custodian helmet, in the rose style, with a Brunswick star that reads 'Avon and Somerset Constabulary'.

Avon and Somerset no longer use the traditional NATO police jumper, having favoured the black jacket with 'Police' written on the chest and back.

Some officers also routinely carry the TASER Stun device designed to electrically shock a subject making them fall to the ground and to be subdued.

[citation needed] During late 2009 Avon and Somerset Police introduced mobile data terminals and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) to some of its operational vehicles and front line officers.

Avon and Somerset Police uses the modern blue and yellow retro-reflective square Battenburg markings on all of its operational vehicles.

This style of livery was introduced in 2005, when the traditional 'jam sandwich' style police markings were removed in favour of the new livery, thought to aid officers responding to emergency calls by allowing the public to quickly and clearly identify the vehicle as belonging to the police.

[1] A report has described Avon and Somerset Police as at 'tipping point' due to financial pressure and increasing work load.

The report expresses concern over management of offenders and over increasing demands due to people with mental health problems.

Andy Marsh, then chief constable said, "Our continuing ability to safeguard communities, protect the vulnerable, and manage major incidents of this kind is being severely tested.

"[39] For the year of 2007/8, the Independent Police Complaints Commission received 800 complaint cases, an increase of 18% from 2006/7, compared to a 0% increase nationally; from this number, 1,231 allegations were made, including 'Other neglect or failure in duty' and 'Incivility, Impoliteness and Intolerance', both at 6% and 3% respectively lower than the national average.

Of the 1,231 allegations made, 40% were investigated - 8% higher than the national average - 41% were resolved locally, and 19% were withdrawn, dispensed with or discontinued.

[40] For the year of 2009/10, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICFRS) rated Avon and Somerset as 'Fair' in all categories, including 'Local Crime', 'Protection from harm' and 'Satisfaction and Confidence'.

In its latest PEEL inspection, Avon and Somerset Police was rated as follows:[42] In 2006, the force admitted it had contravened the Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act when it deselected 186 white male candidates from its recruitment process solely because of their sex and race.

Ralph Welsman, one of those discriminated against, sued the force for their breach of employment laws and he received compensation in an out of court settlement.

[45] In August 2015, officers from the Avon and Somerset force used a Taser on a disabled man, who had the mental age of a seven year old.

The police watchdog said that the actions of the officer who failed to gather the CCTV evidence "fell below the standard expected", but concluded there was no wrongdoing.

Campaigners and local politicians argued that the case represented “another incident of excessive and unnecessary” use of the weapon in Bristol.

[47] In January 2017, the force referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission following an incident when officers used a Taser on a black community activist who was trying to enter his own home.

[57] From January 2024, Channel 4 broadcast a documentary series To Catch a Copper, showing the work of the force's professional standards department.

In one case, a constable is fired after publishing revenge porn; in another, an officer is acquitted after having sex on duty with an intoxicated woman.

[62][63] Some members of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation said they felt "utterly betrayed" and "unsupported" by this decision and the resultant program.