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Friday
26  April

Local police crime recording ‘no longer cause of concern’

 
23/06/2022 @ 10:16

 

Following two critical reports that concluded Dyfed-Powys Police’s crime recording was a “cause for concern”, the inspectors have delivered some promising news this week.

Last year, and following previous concerns raised in 2018, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) told the force to shape up following a review.

The inspectorate told the force to “improve its systems and processes for recording reported crimes, paying particular attention to domestic abuse” and also said that better supervision and training was required for police officers and staff working on crime recording.

HMICFRS has revisited Dyfed-Powys Police in 2022 and found that the force had made good progress against the recommendations, and is now estimated to be recording: 

  • 91.6% of all reported crime (excluding fraud)
  • 88.4% of violent offences; and
  • 98.8% of sexual offences, a statistically significant improvement compared to an estimated 92.2% in 2021

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I welcome today’s announcement confirming that Dyfed-Powys Police have made improvements in their crime recording.

“The residents of Dyfed-Powys should expect that reports of crime are recorded and investigated appropriately and it was extremely disappointing and concerning last year that the Force was issued with the accelerated cause of concern. 

“Over the last year, I have ensured there is thorough and sufficient scrutiny, and it is extremely pleasing that the improvements made by Dyfed-Powys Police have been acknowledged and recognised by HMICFRS, which has resulted in the discharge of cause of concern.

“It is important to note that there are still some improvements to be made, however, the Force is heading in the right direction. I now look forward to working closely with the Chief Officers to ensure we have an effective and efficient policing service that responds to the needs and expectations of our communities, and that we focus on placing victims at the heart of Dyfed-Powys Police.”

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “Accurate crime recording helps police forces prioritise investigations by using suitably skilled staff to give victims the service they deserve. It also helps forces to manage their resources and plan effectively for the future.

“After previously raising concerns in 2018 and again in 2021 about Dyfed-Powys Police’s failure to consistently record crimes, I am pleased that the force has now acted on our recommendations.

“The people of Wales will rightly expect Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure their reports of crime are recorded, reported, and taken seriously. On their behalf, I welcome the improvements that have been made over the past year. We will monitor the force’s performance to make sure that public safety continues to come first.”