01 Jun 2020
Between 1st and 7th of June, as part of international volunteers’ week, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn will meet virtually with several of his volunteer groups to thank them for their contribution to his work.
Police and Crime Commissioners across the country work with volunteer groups to support their scrutiny of policing services. Volunteer groups will work with Commissioners on a number of schemes to help support vulnerable people; ensure professionalism within Police forces; give confidence that high standards are upheld; protect people’s rights; and enable challenge if things are not as what is expected.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “My volunteers play an important part in helping me deliver my vision set out in the Police and Crime plan and I am very grateful to every single person who volunteers with me to deliver these vital schemes.
“This week marks international volunteers’ week. In these unprecedented times, a number of my schemes may be unable to carry out their usual duties. However, I am grateful to each individual for their continued engagement with the Office and their commitment over the past year in ensuring that the public remain both safe and confident, and I look forward to meet up with them during this week.”
The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office currently hosts four volunteer schemes, which include, the Independent Custody Visiting scheme, the Animal Welfare visitors, a Quality Assurance Panel, and the Youth Forum with Youth Ambassadors.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers from the local community who visit police custody suites in pairs, unannounced, to check on the welfare of detainees and to ensure that their rights are upheld. In 2019/20, a total of 208 visits were made across the Force area, with 146 detainees being visited and 66 being observed. Due to Covid-19 visits are currently suspended, however, this decision will be regularly reviewed.
With the Animal Welfare Scheme, volunteers are members of the local community with experience of working dogs and professionals from animal welfare organisations. The welfare of police dogs is important; their handling must be effective, humane, ethical and transparent. Volunteers in my Animal Welfare Scheme observe, comment and report upon the welfare and condition under which police dogs are housed, trained, transported and deployed.
The Quality Assurance Panel was established in December 2016 to review the quality of police contact with the public, in a transparent and independent manner, on behalf of our local communities.
The Panel are increasingly invited by the Force to review additional areas of police contact, which is testimony to the value of their feedback in supporting customer focussed service improvements. This work is vital to ensure the highest of standards in Dyfed-Powys.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has 20 youth volunteers from various backgrounds who are part of the Youth Forum. The Commissioner will meet with the Youth Forum regularly to have their views on policing matters, and to ensure that their voice is heard. During 2019/20 the Youth Ambassadors provided support to the Office with the Youth Survey and Youth Conference carried out by Hafan Cymru on behalf of the Commissioner.
Mr Llywelyn said; “Alongside the individuals who volunteer to help me in my role, volunteers also play a vital part in the work of Dyfed-Powys Police, including cadets, specials, chaplains, victim support and volunteers who volunteer in a wide range of roles in order to support the work of Police staff and Officers.
“Volunteers play an important part in the service that is provided to our communities, Volunteers play a hugely important role in making our communities safe and secure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers both within my office and the force. We greatly appreciate all the time and commitment you give to both the work of the force and my office.”
ENDS
More information;
Caryl Bond
