Community SpeedWatch volunteers area

Police-trained volunteers who conduct roadside speed monitoring sessions. Responsibilities include:

• Operating the speed detection device
• Recording the registration, make, and colour of vehicles exceeding the speed threshold
• Submitting roadside session reports to the Scheme Coordinator

As representatives of both the community and the police, roadside volunteers must adhere to all CSW guidance. No access to police stations is required.

A police-trained volunteer who, in addition to roadside monitoring, oversees and coordinates the scheme and its volunteers. Responsibilities include:

• Submitting session reports to the police
• Acting as a liaison between the scheme and the police through the CSW Network Volunteer Lead.
• Representing the scheme at network meetings and providing feedback to network leads or the management group

No access to police stations is required.

Network Area Leads

Responsible for overseeing and coordinating CSW activity within their network, ensuring all schemes operate effectively and safely. Key duties include:

• Supporting new schemes in documenting and evidencing local speeding concerns
• Representing their network at force-level CSW meetings
• Chairing network lead meetings and attending management group meetings
• Planning network-wide activities, including campaigns and promotional efforts, in collaboration with the Force NHW / CSW Administrator
• Managing complaints and serving as an escalation point for network issues

Due to their expanded role at the force level, Network Area Leads must apply to become a Police Support Volunteer, which grants them access to police stations when required.

A team of trained Police Support Volunteers responsible for processing roadside reports. Their tasks include:

• Identifying registered vehicle keepers via the Police National Computer (PNC/LEDS)
• Cross-referencing vehicle descriptions in roadside reports with PNC/LEDS records
• Issuing warning letters (only if the registration, make, and colour match)

The team operates from various locations across the force area, primarily supporting specific CSW networks but assisting others as needed. Warning letters are issued by the Road Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU).

A team employed by Avon and Somerset Constabulary to:

• Build strong links between Network Area Leads, scheme members, and operational policing teams
• Identify emerging issues and areas for improvement
• Develop local solutions and escalate concerns where necessary
• Expand CSW networks by engaging with community contacts and external partners to promote awareness and recruit new volunteers

A PCSO Supervisor serves as the local policing lead for each CSW network. Where no PCSO Supervisor is available, the local NPT Sergeant assumes this role.

The Force NHW / CSW Administrators, in collaboration with the RSEU and CSW Network Volunteer Lead, oversee CSW operations in alignment with force guidance. They ensure Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) are actively involved with CSW schemes.

The NPT serves as a key point of contact for CSW schemes and provides support by:

• Assisting with roadside and site assessments when the CSW Network Volunteer Lead is unavailable
• Following up on repeat and high-end speed offenders
• Addressing incidents of threatening behaviour or abuse, escalating criminal matters to the Force CSW Lead
• Liaising with Scheme Coordinators

The NPT team is contactable via their team tray, the Force CSW / NHW Administrators, and, where possible, a designated PCSO for each CSW scheme area.

The RSEU convenes twice monthly at the force road safety tasking meeting.

The NHW and CSW Administrators, as part of these meetings, assign enforcement tasks based on an evidence-based approach. The RSEU supports CSW schemes with:

• Conducting borderless site assessments
• Providing education and engagement on speed enforcement
• Implementing evidence-based enforcement activities informed by CSW data

Volunteers must complete an online knowledge check, covering key aspects of CSW, including:

• • The CSW process
  • Equipment usage
  • Safety procedures

All volunteers must complete the Knowledge Check annually to maintain insurance coverage and stay up to date with current procedures

Failure to complete the refresher training may result in removal from the scheme

Roadside training can only take place once a volunteer has been approved and issued with safety equipment. No training is allowed before official approval.

Training will be delivered by:

• The Network Area Lead
• A suitably trained Scheme Coordinator who has completed the online training
• If unavailable, the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)

Only force-approved trainers may deliver roadside training.

Training Content

The roadside training will cover:

• Health & Safety (reinforcing the online knowledge check)
• Proper use of CSW equipment
• Positioning at approved locations
• Recording vehicle details accurately
• Emergency procedures
• Upholding police values: Caring, Inclusivity, Courage, and Learning

All volunteers can be trained together in a single session.

 Flexible Training Options

Approved volunteers may be able to complete their roadside training at the next available roadside session, under the guidance of a force-approved CSW trainer or NPT member.

Train the Trainer Package

Network Area Lead, Scheme Coordinators, or NPT, who have completed the Roadside Training Package can, with permission, train other volunteers.

Before conducting a roadside session, a CSW scheme must have its locations approved by the Police.

Site Assessment Requests must contain the exact location (including What3Words reference and a site description). They must also specify whether Landowner permission has been granted (if on private land). A signed and dated official letter is required to confirm the site is safe for use.

When selecting locations:

• There must be a safe place to stand and operate with escape routes
• There must be a minimum of 60 metres clear view
• Activity must not obstruct footpaths or cycle lanes
• Junctions and driver’s visibility must not be hindered

Site Assessment Report

The Road Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU) will conduct the site assessment and submit a Site Assessment Report to the relevant Community SpeedWatch mailbox within 28 days.

The Force NHW / CSW Administrator will review the report, and the site will be:

• Approved – The scheme can proceed
• Requires Recommendations – Adjustments must be made before approval
• Rejected – The scheme must find an alternative location

Once approved:

• A site code is created
• Full site assessment details are sent to the CSW Volunteer Network Lead and Scheme Coordinator

A re-assessment is required if:

• Site conditions change (e.g., new roads, housing developments, or altered visibility)
• The Speed Limit is altered, even if the speed limit is reduced

It is mandatory for each volunteer to wear a high-visibility long-sleeved jacket at all times during their training and while conducting roadside sessions.

• Jackets are available in the following sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL
• Caps and Beanies: One Size Fits All

If a new volunteer registers, they will be sent a jacket and a cap or beanie (if requested) via post.

If equipment develops a fault, Network Area Leads should complete an Equipment Fault Form [LINK] and send it to Katie Robinson at CommunitySpeedWatch@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

For recruitment materials, such as posters and postcards, volunteers should email their Network Area Lead.

For additional road safety resources, such as a Speed Indicator Device (SID), an application can be submitted through the Police Community Trust Road Safety Fund and the local council.

Abuse of Our Members

Avon and Somerset Constabulary takes any incidents of abuse towards our members very seriously.

If any member feels they have been abused or assaulted while conducting roadside activities, they should immediately report the incident to their Network Area Lead. The Network Area Lead will then inform the Force NHW / CSW Administrator.

The CSW Force Lead will review each case and will contact the affected member as soon as possible to address the situation.

Standard of Professional Behaviour

All CSW members represent Avon and Somerset Constabulary while participating in the Community SpeedWatch (CSW) scheme. It is crucial that all members maintain professionalism, politeness, and courtesy towards all community members at all times.

Any reports of behaviour falling below these standards will be thoroughly investigated. If necessary, this may result in removal from the scheme. The final decision regarding continued participation will be made by the Avon and Somerset CSW Force Lead.

Each new Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme will receive a Scheme Box containing the following items:

• Handheld Device
• Audio Machine
• Stationery Set (two pens and two highlighters)
• Click Counter
• Clipboard
• Pack of Input Forms (150)
• Public Information Cards (25)
• Batteries appropriate to the handheld device, including AAA batteries for the Pocket Radar Classic and C Cell batteries for the Bushnell Velocity

Additional Equipment Boxes can be requested and will be delivered by the volunteer driver scheme within Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The speed thresholds for CSW are set with consideration of the NPCC speed enforcement guidance and factor in the devices used for the speed detection are radar, not laser.

All schemes will monitor traffic and report vehicles recorded at the following speeds and above:

• 20 mph – 25 mph
• 30 mph – 36 mph
• 40 mph – 47 mph

CSW operates the tolerance rule of 10% + 3 reporting thereafter

Warning letters

Avon and Somerset Police will issue an educational warning letter to a driver detected at or
above the threshold limits.

Offence is committed if the above speed hits:

• 20 mph – 20 – 25+
• 30 mph – 30 – 36+
• 40 mph – 40 – 47+

Where a driver is observed as a high-end speeder, they will be sent an alternative letter
highlighting the increased risks of excess speed.

This letter is triggered at the following speeds:

• 20 mph – 32 mph and above
• 30 mph – 43 mph and above
• 40 mph – 54 mph and above

Both repeat and high-end speeding offenders can be identified by the force NHW and CSW Administrator through the Qlik Application.

Taskings from this will be conducted by the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Road Safety
Enforcement Unit. Each tasking will be assessed on an individual basis.

Letters (Links Below)

• standard warning letter (PDF)
•  high-end speed warning letter (PDF)

Regardless of speed, a letter should be sent out.

Home visit

A member of the local Neighbourhood policing team will visit the registered keeper and/or the insured party address of vehicles that have been evidenced to have exceeded the speed limit on three occasions or more.

To record details of your sessions, you will need to access the online reporting portal.

1. Enter the names of the volunteers operating the session and input the password.
   Password: roadsafetyspeeding (all one word, in lowercase) not to have on the page itself, handed out separately
2. Enter the date of your CSW sessions
3. Select your Network, Scheme, and the site where you conducted the session.
4. Enter the vehicle details – provide as much information as possible to help us cross-reference the vehicle with the Police National Computer to ensure we are writing to the correct registered keeper.
   We require at least two of the following: Make, Model, Colour (all three are ideal!).
   To add additional vehicles, click “Add another.”
   If you added a vehicle by mistake, you can delete it by clicking the orange “Delete this” button.
5. Enter the total number of vehicles that passed through the session.
6. Review your entries and submit the report.

Once submitted, you will receive a reference number for your session.

What about sessions I’ve already submitted?

Any sheets submitted via the old process will still be processed. There is no need to resubmit them.

Can I save a copy of the report?

Under guidance issued in November 2018, all CSW schemes must destroy records related to CSW sessions after submission to the police. If you have a query regarding a session, please contact your Network Lead or the Road Safety Department via the email below.

My Scheme or site isn’t showing in the list?

If your scheme or an approved site is not visible in the form, please contact the Force NHW / CSW Administrator for support

Joining an existing CSW scheme is a straightforward process that ensures all volunteers are properly trained and equipped to carry out speed monitoring sessions effectively.

1. Register Your Interest

To get started, prospective volunteers should:

• Visit the Community SpeedWatch guidance page to learn more about the scheme
• Watch the Information Video
• Complete the Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% pass rate
• Submit the online application form
• The application will be reviewed and sent to the relevant Community SpeedWatch mailbox

2. Suitability Check

• The Force NHW / CSW Administrator will review the application and conduct a suitability check
• If unsuccessful, the applicant will receive a rejection email, and the process will end. Those applicants that have been unsuccessful will be advised and will have the option of submitting a request to access their personal information
• If successful, the applicant will receive an acceptance email confirming their approval

3. Training

All approved volunteers must:

• Complete the online Knowledge Check, which must be refreshed annually
• Undergo Roadside Training, which will be conducted by:
  • The Network Area Lead
  • The Neighbourhood Policing Team
  • A trained Scheme Coordinator
  • In Bristol, all roadside training is conducted by the Neighbourhood Policing Team due to logistical reasons

More details on Training, including the Knowledge Check Refresher, Roadside Training, and Train the Trainer package, can be found under Training.

4. Equipment and Resources

Once fully approved, volunteers will be provided with:

• A long-sleeved high-visibility jacket, which must be worn at all times during roadside sessions.

Additional information on ordering PPE, requesting a Scheme Box, and reporting equipment faults can be found under Resources and Equipment.

Setting up a CSW scheme involves several steps to ensure volunteers are trained, sites are assessed, and all necessary equipment is in place.

1. Initial Interest

Prospective volunteers should:

• Visit the Community SpeedWatch guidance page (name to change as this will be the main ‘host’ page) to learn about the scheme
• Watch the Information Video
• Complete the Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% pass rate
• Submit the online application form
• The application will be sent to the relevant Community SpeedWatch mailbox for review

2. Suitability Check

• The Force NHW / CSW Administrator will conduct a suitability check on all applicants
• If unsuccessful, the applicant will receive a rejection email, and the process will end. Those applicants that have been unsuccessful will be advised and will have the option of submitting a request to access their personal information
• If successful, the applicant will receive an acceptance email confirming their approval

3. Site Assessment

The Scheme Coordinator, with assistance from the Network Area Lead or Neighbourhood Policing Team should conduct an initial Site Assessment this can be done via google maps, to make sure the area is suitable before proceeding to the Site Assessment Request.

The Site Assessment Request Form must include:

• Exact location (including What3Words reference and a site description)
• Landowner permission (if on private land).
  • A signed and dated official letter is required to confirm the site is safe for use

The Road Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU) will conduct the site assessment and submit a Site Assessment Report to the relevant Community SpeedWatch mailbox within 28 days.

The Force NHW / CSW Administrator will review the report, and the site will be approved, rejected, or recommendations will be supplied.

Once approved:

• A site code is created
• Full site assessment details are sent to the CSW Volunteer Network Lead and Scheme Coordinator.
• A re-assessment is required if site conditions change (e.g., new roads, housing developments, or altered visibility)

More details, including the Site Assessment Request Form and Landowner Permission Letter, can be found under Site Assessments.

4. Training

All volunteers must:

• Complete the online Knowledge Check, which must be updated annually.
• Undergo Roadside Training, which will be delivered by:
  • The Network Area Lead.
  • The Neighbourhood Policing Team.
  • A trained Scheme Coordinator.
  • In Bristol, roadside training is always conducted by the Neighbourhood Policing Team due to logistical reasons.

Further details on Training, including the Knowledge Check Refresher, Roadside Training, and Train the Trainer package, can be found under Training.

5. Resources and Equipment

Once the scheme is officially approved, volunteers will receive:

• A long-sleeved high-visibility jacket, which must be worn at all times during roadside sessions.
• A scheme box containing all the necessary equipment for conducting speed monitoring sessions.

Additional information on ordering PPE, requesting a Scheme Box, and submitting an Equipment Fault Reporting Form can be found under Resources and Equipment.

Documents needed to run a SpeedWatch scheme:

• Barrington pocket radar guide (PDF)
• Car badges (PDF)
• Jacket sizes (PDF)
• Motorcycle badges (PDF)
• Phonetic alphabet (PDF)
• Pocket Radar speed gun guide (PDF)
• Poster (PDF)
• Velocity speed gun guide (PDF)

Contact emails for the NHW / CSW Administrators

Trevor Wilmot

BANES, South Gloucestershire, and Mendip

• CSWBANES@avonandsomerset.police.uk
• CSWSouthGloucestershire@avonandsomerset.police.uk
• CSW-Mendip@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Kym Booker

Bristol and North Somerset

• CSWBristol@avonandsomerset.police.uk
• CSWNorthSomerset@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Paul Johnson

South Somerset and West Somerset

• CSW-SouthSomerset@avonandsomerset.police.uk
• CSWWestSomerset@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Neighbourhood Policing Team

• avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/

Equipment / PPE / Fault Reporting

• Katie Robinson – CommunitySpeedWatch@avonandsomerset.police.uk