MP Steve Webb goes along for the ride with police on patrol
He took up the offer of joining the Avon and Somerset force's ride-along scheme, which gives people the chance to go behind the scenes with officers and see how they operate.
Mr Webb spent the first part of the night with neighbourhood constables and police and community support officers as they toured parts of the towns that had been identified as priorities during public meetings that are held every three months under the Safer Stronger Communities banner.
They chatted to young people who had gathered in parks and public areas and looked out for any underage drinking.
Mr Webb later joined the response team as officers reacted to a 999 call.
The MP said: "I'm regularly in contact with the local police on behalf of local residents.
"So it was good to be able to see them in action at first-hand.
"I was encouraged a lot of their work on a Friday evening seemed to be about prevention; going to areas where there had been past problems with underage drinking or anti-social behaviour and trying to ensure that problems did not arise.
"I can't say that I envy the police their job, especially those responding to tricky 999 calls in the middle of the night, but my time with local officers and PCSOs increased my understanding and respect for the work they do on our behalf."
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