Welsh Affairs Committee hears from the Police and Crime Commissioners of Wales’ four police forces
Yesterday, the four Welsh Police and Crime Commissioners gave evidence to the Parliamentary Welsh Affairs Committee, chaired by Stephen Crabb MP.
This was to explore how each Police and Crime Commissioner executed their duties as an elected representative responsible for police governance, police oversight and the commissioning of criminal justice services for the force area, together with their engagement with the UK and Welsh Governments.
The PCCs were asked about the role of Police and Crime Commissioners and how they had added value to policing. This included how they enabled public accountability of Chief Constables, engaged with the public, worked in partnership with local police and provided services to reduce and prevent crime and support victims.
South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, Rt Hon Alun Michael, said:
“Since their inception in 2012, the role of PCCs has developed beyond what was envisioned and is in statute – to appoint and hold Chief Constables to account and to set policing priorities and budgets for their forces, to being leaders in policing and criminal justice, working together in partnership and with others across Wales to prevent crime and reduce harm.”
Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, PCC said:
“PCCs are the bridge between communities and police services, being the voice of the public in holding policing to account. We are able to take a strategic view of policing and work with partner agencies to ensure that the needs of the public, victims and survivors are met. “
Eleri Thomas, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, said:
“We are flexible, agile and can deliver at speed. PCCs translate public priorities for policing to set the vision and direction for policing in their areas, and they can put money into essential frontline and community services.”
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, said:
“PCCs perform an essential engagement role – working closely together with the public as well as with police, criminal justice, local authority, health services and charities to deliver efficient, effective and improving services for our communities. In Wales, we pride ourselves on doing things differently and are delivering devolution to the maximum, working together for Wales as well as delivering for our local communities.”
Ends
Notes for editors
Picture Shows (L/R): Rt Hon Alun Michael, Dafydd Llywelyn, Stephen Crabb MP, Andy Dunbobbin and Eleri Thomas