Clare Moody has recently been elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, bringing with her a wealth of experience from various political and policy-making roles.

Here's everything you need to know about the region's new policing leader.

Background and Experience

A former Member of the European Parliament for the South West from 2014 to 2019, Clare Moody has an extensive background in security and budget management, areas that are particularly relevant to her new role. During her time in the European Parliament, she served on the Security and Defence Committee as well as the Budget Committee. Her career also includes significant experience at the heart of the UK government, where she worked closely with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown between 2008 and 2010.

Beyond her roles in government, Moody has spent over two decades working in the trade union sector, giving her a strong foundation in advocating for workers' rights and social justice issues.

Political and Policing Priorities

As the Police and Crime Commissioner, Moody has outlined five key priorities for her term:

1. Investing in neighbourhood policing to ensure police visibility and community engagement.
2. Supporting victims of crime, making sure they are heard and their needs are met.
3. Reducing violent crime, with specific focuses on knife crime and violence against women and girls.
4. Enhancing crime prevention strategies to tackle potential crimes before they occur.
5. Restoring trust and confidence in the police force among the communities of Avon and Somerset.

Strategic Approach

Moody believes that her strategic experience will be pivotal in managing the policing budget and setting local policing priorities effectively. She aims to use the Police and Crime Plan to guide her decisions and actions, focusing on a proactive approach to law enforcement and community safety.

Community Engagement

Determined to be a "visible and accountable" commissioner, Moody plans to engage directly with communities across Avon and Somerset. She emphasises the importance of connecting with community groups and the voluntary sector to build a collaborative approach to solving local issues.

Focus on Crime Prevention

One of the pressing issues Moody intends to address is the prevalence of knife crime in the region. She advocates for preventive measures, particularly through education and community outreach, to deter young people from engaging in such activities. Her approach includes comprehensive messaging and communication strategies in schools to educate young people about the dangers and legal consequences of carrying knives.

Vision for Policing

Moody is committed to ensuring that Avon and Somerset Police maintain the highest standards, fostering trust within the community and pride among the officers and staff. She also recognises the importance of the police force working in concert with other public services to address complex social challenges effectively.

Clare Moody's election marks a significant milestone for Avon and Somerset, promising a period of focused leadership and renewed dedication to both safety and community engagement across the region.