Avon and Somerset Police Authority has joined Southwest One, a joint venture to transform the services provided to the constabulary and the communities it serves. In an agreement worth up to GBP 185 million over 10 years, the Police Authority joins the joint venture with IBM, Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council, which linked up in October last year.

The joint venture aims to establish a unique shared services approach to managing service delivery to approximately 1.5 million residents and lead to cost savings and improved efficiency in the delivery of services, including customer services and access, workforce development and procurement.

By joining Southwest One, the Police Authority aims to radically improve the services provided by the Constabulary as well as securing police staff jobs at a time of ever-tightening budgets. The Police Authority will not only see current services provided at reduced cost but these services will also be greatly enhanced and expanded, according to a release from IBM. KW