Avon and Somerset Constabulary has been praised for its ‘ethical culture’ and for the fact that ‘most officers treat people fairly and with respect’ following a Government inspection.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has delivered an overall judgement of ‘good’ on the district’s policing after scrutinising its track record of ‘keeping communities safe and and reducing crime’.

The PEEL assessment – which studies policing effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy – was broadly positive of the constabulary’s achievements, praising its engagement with the public and its ethical standards.

It also praised ‘polite, friendly and helpful’ staff who ‘behave in a respectful and fair manner’.

However, it did say there were ‘mixed views’ within the service about Avon and Somerset’s ‘commitment to the wellbeing of its staff’, that understanding of stop-and-search procedures is ‘not consistent’ and that officers are ‘mostly using tasers fairly and appropriately’.

The inspection summary said: “HMIC found the practice and behaviour of staff reflects an ethical culture in which their wellbeing is monitored and maintained.

“When HMIC looked at how well the constabulary understands and engages with all the people it serves, we found that most officers and staff engage fairly and positively with the public and understand their needs.

“As a result we are satisfied that the constabulary has a good understanding of the needs of local people and that most officers treat people fairly and with respect.”

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Morgan welcomed the findings, which come as the constabulary faces a major financial challenge, with £16.7million of savings needed over the next five years.

He said: “Avon and Somerset Constabulary has had a very challenging and testing 18 months. Throughout this time we have been determined to remain focused on keeping local communities safe and reducing crime. It’s what we’re here to do.

“Our challenge now is to build further on the findings and on our engagement with the communities we serve.”