There are lots of ways in which you can get involved in policing, from helping us to prioritise the areas that matter to you to becoming a volunteer.
Tell us what you think
We value your opinions and want to hear your views on policing where you live so please take part in our surveys and look out for dates of our public meetings.
Attend the Authority Meetings
If you would like to see how strategic decisions about policing are made, please turn up to our Committee or Full Authority Meetings. These are held at Bridgebury House, Woburn Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK43 9AX unless otherwise stated. See below for dates and times.
Individual members of the public or representatives of organisations can ask questions of the Police Authority at the beginning of all full Authority meetings. If you would like to ask a question please notify in writing, or via email, the Chief Executive of the Authority no later than three working days before the meeting. Questions are welcomed on any policing issue within the Authority's area of responsibility.
Local Confidence Survey Results
The Government has set every force a target to raise public confidence that the police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter locally.
The proportion of people surveyed in each of the following areas agree that the police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in their area.
Area
Proportion
Bedford Borough CDRP
74%
Central Bedfordshire CDRP
72%
Luton CDRP
61%
These are the results of a mixed method survey that was conducted in these areas which asked local people whether they agree that:
"The police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in this area".
Care should be taken in making comparisons in local indicators that have used different survey techniques.
The survey is based on a quota sample of people in the local area. The use of a quota sample seeks to ensure the results are broadly representative of the local population. Quota samples may inadvertently introduce unknown sources of statistical bias.
Become a Volunteer
The Authority manages two volunteer schemes, the Independent Custody Visitors Scheme and the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme.
Independent Custody Visitors turn up unannounced at the custody suites to provide an impartial check on welfare of those in custody and the conditions in which they are being held.
In a similar way Animal Welfare Visitors provide an independent check that the police dogs are being cared for properly.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams
Get involved by telling your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams what local policing issues cause you a problem. Help them set priorities. To find out more about your local safer neighbourhood team visit Bedfordshire Police website www.bedfordshire.police.uk or call 01234 841212