18 Nov 2022
This month marks ten years since Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were first democratically elected and started making a real difference by giving the public a stronger voice in policing and criminal justice.
Ten years on, PCCs continue to deliver with impact and make a real difference to keeping their communities safe; how they work their police forces, criminal justice agencies and partner organisations to prevent and cut crime, protect victims and reduce re-offending.
The role of the PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the totality of policing.
PCCs ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible and are improving local relationships through building confidence and restoring trust. They work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to ensure there is a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime.
They also commission support services directly from specialist providers to help prevent crime, support the vulnerable and tackle issues that are important. Examples of these support services in Dyfed-Powys include Goleudy, who offer a personalised, emotional and practical support to help victims, families and witnesses survive crime and make them stronger, along with agencies such as Hafan Cymru, Pobl and New Pathways, who provide support for victims of domestic abuse, and sexual abuse.
Dyfed-Powys have had two Police and Commissioners in the last 10 years. Christopher Salmon was elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys in November 2012. Current Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.
As he reflected on his term in Office as Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Llywelyn said: “This month is a landmark for Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales as we celebrate 10 years since the first election back in 2012. There have been three elections for Police and Crime Commissioners in the Dyfed Powys Police force area and I am sincerely privileged to hold the office of PCC for an area I grew up and live in. It is a great honour to be the public’s representative within policing and the local criminal justice system and I often refer to my role as a bridge between the public and these important services.
“I was motivated to stand election as the PCC to try and utilise my personal experiences in a positive way to influence the Police and other service providers and partners. I promised a new CCTV system for the Force area and this has been delivered to 25 towns and is monitored at Police Headquarters acting as an asset for investigations and gaining best evidence as well as preventing crime and antisocial behaviour. We now have more Police Officers than ever before, with over 1,300 Police Officers working in our communities.
“This is a duty and responsibility I take very seriously and I thoroughly enjoy my work”.
To find out more about the role of the PCC and how you can support and get involved in the work of his Office, visit the Office of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
ENDS
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