Formation

Formation is our cloud-based forms system. The system allows us to quickly deploy web-based forms that integrate with internal systems.

Citizen facing

Citizen facing feature highlights include:

  • Forms easily created without developer input
  • Optional form capabilities
    • Video and image uploads
    • Online payments
    • Embedded maps with address lookup
  • Best practice interface design
  • Mobile first design, optimised for all screen sizes
  • Generation of formatted PDFs for a personal record
  • Dynamic user journey based on answers provided
  • Summary of answers before final submission with the option to change

Administrator facing

Administrator facing feature highlights include:

  • Forms easily created without developer input
  • Automation of data transfer into Business Intelligence system
  • Instant push of data to populate Crime Records Management System
  • Customisable workflow including sending of templated emails
  • Export of single or multiple records to CSV, Excel, and PDF
  • Allocation of work
  • Automatic sign in using cloud-based ADFS
  • Customisable retention periods and automatic clean up of data

The product was built and launched in 2017 by the team.

Technical information

The system is built using Node.js. This was the first product built by the team using this framework. It is powered by an encrypted NoSQL database, again another first for the team.

Formation deployments

The following list shows the deployments of Formation in our public-facing use (Formation is also used internally). Updated as of September 2020.

Applications and recruitment

  • Apply for a clay pigeon shoot exemption
  • Apply for a Firearms / Shotgun License
  • Apply for a role within Avon and Somerset Police
  • Apply to be a Police Community Support Officer
  • Apply for a visitors firearm permit
  • Apply for access to your personal data
  • Apply to be a Volunteer Police Cadet
  • Apply to become a Community SpeedWatch Volunteer
  • Apply to vary a firearms certificate
  • Notify the police of a transfer of firearm or shotgun
  • Police Staff Application Form

Policing services and support

  • Apply for a grant from the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund
  • Apply for a grant from the Police Community Trust
  • Apply for a grant from the Road Safety Fund
  • Apply for a place on the Citizens Academy
  • Apply for to observe the work of the police (Ride Along)
  • Apply for free hi-viz waistcoats for primary schools
  • Community Speedwatch Knowledge Check
  • Document upload
  • Give us information about a suspected vulnerable or exploited person
  • Join a community alerts group
  • Major incident reporting and evidence upload
  • Make a claim for compensation
  • Mendip County Council Video Footage Upload
  • Provide Community Speedwatch reports
  • Provide information about an incident of anti-social driving
  • Register for the Safe Places Scheme
  • Register your interest to attend a misconduct hearing
  • Register your interest to re-join to support COVID-19 operations
  • Report a change of address outside of Avon and Somerset to Firearms Licensing
  • Report a breach of COVID-19 restrictions
  • Report a change of address to Firearms Licensing
  • Report a change of circumstances to the Safe Places Scheme
  • Report a change of security address to Firearms Licensing
  • Report a change of security at home to Firearms Licensing
  • Report a concern about stop and search in your area
  • Report a crime (main reporting form)
  • Report a near miss (automated into Data Analytics with no human review)
  • Report a near miss involving a horse
  • Report a suspected drink or drugs driver
  • Report an accident on the road
  • Report an inappropriate relationship between the police and a member of the public
  • Report an incident on the road and upload video footage
  • Report an incident of anti-social driving
  • Report being a witness to a crime
  • Report school parking issues
  • Report shoplifting
  • Report suspected crime / provide intel
  • Request a fingerprint appointment with online payment
  • Request a police check on a provisional club member
  • Request a replacement firearms certificate
  • Request a review of a police decision not to prosecute
  • Request Community Trigger for Anti-social behaviour
  • Report illegal graffiti
  • Report terrorist activity
  • Send evidence to a Police Officer
  • Send video footage to the collisions team
  • Submit digital evidence to the Detainee Investigation Team (Bridgwater)
  • Submit digital evidence to the Detainee Investigation Team (Keynsham)
  • Submit digital evidence to the Detainee Investigation Team (Patchway)
  • Submit Shoplifting video footage
  • Submit Shoplifting video footage (Cribbs Causeway)
  • Submit video or images to the Collisions Unit
  • Upload video and images (to Incident Assessment Unit)
  • Update an existing crime report

Feedback, contact and awards

  • Appeal against the outcome of your complaint
  • Contact a beat team
  • Contact the Speed Enforcement Unit
  • Contact us with a compliment
  • Make a complaint
  • Make a Freedom of Information Request
  • Make a general enquiry
  • Submit a nomination for the Be Proud Awards