Re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said that he is “disappointed” in the force’s failure to make improvements when it comes to crime recording following a damning inspection report last week.
Hours after the voting polls closed, inspectors issued an “accelerated cause for concern” notice after finding Dyfed-Powys Police had documented just 87.6% of reported crime. The force had previously been told to improve two-and-a-half years ago.
Inspectors estimate 4,400 crimes are not recorded, including around 2,400 violent crimes and domestic abuse. Similar findings were identified in 2018.
During his first visit to Police Headquarters since the elections, Mr Llywelyn said that he was disappointed despite being given assurances that improvements were being made in line with HMICFRS recommendations.
“Since 2018, I’ve been re-assured by the Chief Constable and the force’s chief officers that improvements were being made in relation to crime recording, and I’m extremely disappointed and concerned that despite my scrutiny over the years, it has been confirmed by HMICFRS that there are still significant failures, but I am pleased however, that improvements are already being made.
“The residents of Dyfed-Powys should expect that reports of crime are recorded and investigated, and I will move swiftly over coming weeks to appoint a Chief Constable who will continue to address this issue and who will focus on placing victims at the heart of Dyfed-Powys Police.
“I am disappointed with the HMICFRS findings, and will ensure that we fully understand the position that we find ourselves in and the investment that I make as a Commissioner into services for victims provides the necessary level of support. I want residents to feel confident that they have a force that meets the needs and expectation of our local communities.
“The public have put their trust in me, and I will repay that trust by holding the Chief Constable to account for addressing the HMICFRS's concerns.”
Acting Chief Constable, Claire Parmenter, said in a statement in response to the report: “We accept the concerns and recommendations published by HMICFRS in respect of crime data integrity.
"As an organisation, we are firmly committed to supporting victims and putting them at the heart of everything we do. The force has plans in place to improve its crime recording and I am determined we will get this right.
“Since the date of this inspection, we are already seeing improvements as a result of the swift additional action we have taken, achieving 100% crime recording compliance in respect of anti-social behaviour for February and March 2021 which is positive.”