Avon and Somerset Police has been praised for its "exemplar" response to rape investigations in a major inquiry sparked by the murder of Sarah Everard.

The Angiolini Inquiry, published Tuesday, 3 December, examines how serving Met officer Wayne Couzens was able to abduct, rape and kill the 33-year-old in 2021. Its second part slams widespread failings in policing culture, vetting and the handling of sexual violence across the UK.

Among stark criticism, the report highlights two projects led or piloted by Avon and Somerset as national models of good practice.

Operation Soteria, developed in Bristol as Project Bluestone, was credited with transforming rape investigations by focusing on offender behaviour rather than scrutinising victims. The report says the scheme "has been shown to work", noting its data-led method and backing from senior leadership, including Chief Constable Sarah Crew.

As a result, Avon and Somerset says reporting of rape has doubled and charging rates have quadrupled since the approach was adopted force-wide.

The report also backs Project Vigilant — a plain-clothes policing tactic targeting predatory men around pubs and clubs — which Thames Valley Police launched in 2019. Avon and Somerset began piloting it in 2024 and has since expanded it across public events, including sports venues.

In total, about 20 forces now use Vigilant-style tactics, though the inquiry notes over a quarter of UK forces still lack basic sexual offence policies.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: "We're resolutely committed to eradicating violence against women and girls in Avon and Somerset. We've worked through every recommendation from Part 1 of the Angiolini Inquiry and have transformed how we investigate these devastating offences."

She also confirmed the launch of Project Bright Light — a new evidence-led review into how domestic abuse is policed locally.

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