Police step up Welsh language provision

Dyfed Powys Police is stepping up its Welsh language provision by encouraging officers and staff to use their own initiative when it comes to offering a bilingual service.

 

The force has been recognised by the Welsh Language Board as an example of good practice when it comes to training staff and officers in using the Welsh language and in promoting bilingual workplaces.

 

Now it’s taking things a step further by looking to its employees to take the first step.

 

“Our new revised Welsh Language Scheme will continue to encourage officers and staff to use bilingual greetings on the telephone and also when they are out and about on the streets of Dyfed Powys,” said Lisa O’Connor, the force’s Welsh language advisor. “Our staff are trained to provide a bilingual service to our citizens. And what we’re looking for them to do now is draw on this training to take the initiative themselves when it comes to communicating in Welsh.

 

“We want them to have the courage and foresight to be proactive with the language on their own, and not wait for someone else to begin using Welsh.

 

The Welsh Language Board said it was pleasing to see Dyfed Powys Police continue to improve on its commitment to the Welsh language.

 

“By working closely with Dyfed-Powys Police over the years we have found that they genuinely aspire to increase their Welsh language provision to the public,” said Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board.