We are aware of some misleading reports about our staffing levels, comparing numbers over a ten year period (2009 – 2019).

We are aware of some misleading reports about our staffing levels, comparing numbers over a ten year period (2009 – 2019).

The nature of our communities, crime and policing has changed so much over ten years, that it is not possible to make a comparison that accurately reflects the picture today.

Chief Constable Mark Collins said:

“To compare data representing officer numbers across any part of Dyfed-Powys Police spanning the ten year period referred to (2009 – 2019), does not reflect the significant changes made in force over the same period to deliver a service that is befitting of the world we are now operating in.

“The biggest influencing factor in the difference in numbers between 2009 and 2019 is a structural change in force, which removed roads policing officers from the numbers on paper within each division and pulled them together to form another operational department - reflecting their specialist capability. These officers did not physically leave the area within which they were originally based, but no longer appear in data specific to a county.

“To compare data over a ten year period, also suggests policing operates in a static world. It doesn’t. One of the most significant changes over the period referenced in the data is the explosion of online communities. Some for good, but many being utilised to harm and take advantage of the most vulnerable.

“Crime no longer happens only on our streets and our policing structure has adapted to reflect this. Crime happens behind closed doors between individuals know to each other and it happens online between people who have never met in person. The policing response needs to be there for all these issues and to take a very simplistic view of numbers on paper, plays down the expectations our communities have of their police service and, the very specialist capability Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff possess to safeguard the communities they serve.”

Police & Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:

“Since taking up my role as the elected person to represent the many communities across the four counties served by the force, I have increased the overall resource available by 4%.

“I have ploughed funding into dedicated teams to support front line officers and have invested in resources to support the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I have commissioned services specific to their needs - be that as victims of domestic abuse or young people choosing to leave their homes for reasons unknown to authorities. I will continue to do this. I will not be held to account by numbers on paper alone, but by the difference I am able to make to individuals’ quality of life. I will also use the opportunity I have to campaign for services appropriate to the very specific needs an area the size of Dyfed-Powys Police has and will work with the force to adapt according to those needs.

“Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys remain the safest counties nationally and I’m proud to be driving a service that is willing and able to flex and respond, despite the financial challenges faced day-in-day out.”

If you want to come and work with us, helping to safeguard the communities we serve, CLICK HERE >>> https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/join-us/

If you want to know more about the services commissioned by PCC Dafydd Llywelyn and available within our communities, CLICK HERE >>> http://www.dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk/en/your-neighbourhood/services-available-to-you/