Police boss lays out 2013/14 roadmap

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has revealed that he will continue to review rural policing and police accessibility after outlining his plans for the next year.

Speaking at the release of his 2012-13 Annual Report, Mr. Salmon revealed that his key aims for 2013-14 include:

•           ensuring that policing services best address the area’s geographical challenges;

•           ensuring that support services for the police force are fit for purpose and;

•           establishing an open and transparent commissioning process.

Mr Salmon said: “I plan to ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police is a public-focused, sustainable and resilient service that helps deliver the safest communities in the country.

“Important topics under review include rural policing and police accessibility. This work will inform new strategies. In both cases, I foresee that innovation and new technology will play a big part.

“The police alone cannot make our communities safer and for this reason, work is continuing to better understand the effective use of other agencies in preventing and responding to crime and disorder. 

“My role will continue to be informed by the knowledge and thoughts of the public. I urge them to let me know their ideas and opinions on police and crime matters as they affect Dyfed-Powys and, importantly, how I can help them improve their local communities.”

Mr. Salmon’s 2013-14 aims are detailed in his first Annual Report. In order to align his reporting with the financial year, the document covers the four-and-a-half months since his November election.

He said: “2012-13 marked a significant change to policing, through the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners across Wales and England.

“My first few months in office included some enormously important activity, including the recruitment of a Chief Constable, the launch of the 2013-18 Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Plan and the setting of the force’s Council Tax precept.”

Simon Prince became the first Chief Constable appointed by a Police and Crime Commissioner in Wales. To raise awareness of the Police and Crime Plan, he said more than 20 meetings took place across Dyfed-Powys for the public, police officers and force personnel. They were hosted by Mr. Salmon and Mr. Prince.

Mr. Salmon said he is now working towards delivering the six priorities of his Police and Crime Plan - preventing and dealing with crime; protecting vulnerable people; bringing people to justice; enhancing access to police services; ensuring high standards of professionalism; and spending wisely.

The Annual Report is available at www.dyfed-powys.pcc.police.uk.