Police and Crime Commissioner’s 10th St David’s Day Conference Explores Policing in A Digital Age
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Dyfed-Powys area welcomed guests to its Policing in a Digital Age Conference, held both in person and online on 4 March 2026 at Police Headquarters in Carmarthen.
The event brought together policing professionals, partner organisations, businesses, academics and community representatives to explore how emerging technology, artificial intelligence and cyber threats and shaping modern policing and community safety.
Hosted By Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, the conference featured speakers from across policing, cyber investigation and research, offering research into the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly evolving digital technologies.
The programme began with a session examining how artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by offenders and the risk this can pose to vulnerable people. Luke Pulvirenti, AI Intelligence Coordinator, explored how AI-assisted technologies are being used to facilitate fraud and exploitation, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
Delegates also heard insight into the role of the Force Communication Centre, where Karen Marshall and Calvin Griffiths from Dyfed-Powys Police, discussed how digital systems, CCTV and online reporting tools are transforming public contact and helping officers respond more effectively to incidents.
Emerging technologies were another focus of the day, with Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle and James Taylor outlining how immersive and virtual reality technologies are being explored to enhance police training, particularly in areas such as first response and domestic abuse investigations.
The evolving cybercrime landscape was examined by Allan Rush, Cyber Fraud Investigator with Dyfed-Powys Police, who highlighted the growing rage of digital threats facing individuals, businesses and communities within Dyfed-Powys area and beyond.
National perspectives were provided by Scott Lloyd, Temporary Superintendent and National Science and Innovation Coordinator at the National Police Chief’s Council, who explored the balance between technological innovation and the need for legitimacy, transparency and public trust in AI-enabled policing. Scott was joined by colleagues Dominic Edgell, Police Sergeant and Karl Roberts, Temporary Chief Inspectorworking with the National Facial Recognition Unit who discussed how facial recognition is currently being used within policing and demonstrated the current Live Facial Recognition model.
The conference concluded with a forward-looking session from Andrew Staniforth, Director of Saher Europe, who explored how international approaches and emerging technologies are influencing the future of policing and beyond. His presentation ‘Next Generation Policing Innovation Insights from Beyond UK Boarders’, examined how policing organisations around the world are responding to rapidly evolving technological change, highlighting lessons and innovation that may shape the future of policing in the UK.
Commissioner Llywelyn said:
“I am grateful to all of the speakers and attendees who contributed to such an insightful and though-provoking day. As technology continues to evolve, it is vital that policing, partners and communities work together to understand both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Events such as this help ensure we remain informed, collaborative and prepared to respond to the changing nature of crime in a digital age.”
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Article Date: 06/03/2026