New police chief targets red tape
Tackling rural crime and freeing up more officers for the beat are two of the most important issues facing police in Mid Wales.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said he is working on reducing red tape and bureaucracy to allow more officers to spend time working in the community.
Mr Salmon met six residents of the Welshpool area during a surgery he held at Powys County Council's Neuadd Maldwyn in the town yesterday and vowed to make officers more accessible.
Mr Salmon, who was elected last year and is from Presteigne in South Powys, said: "Rural policing matters and how the force can work better with outside organisations are two of the most regularly raised topics and I want people to know that I am working hard to reduce red tape which keeps officers in the police station and instead free them up so they can be out on the beat."
Mr Salmon said he would be taking people's concerns and adding them into his 2013 to 2018 Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Plan.
He added: "At my surgeries I heard ideas and views on how communities can help us move forward. Key issues may include police accessibility and rural policing.
"This was people's chance to have their say and to tell me what they want from policing services. I'm listening and welcome all thoughts on key issues that affect our local communities."
Mr Salmon also visited the police cells at Newtown Police Station, where he has introduced two independent custody volunteers who inspect the cells and and report back to him. He said: "These are community-minded individuals who have answered the Commissioner's call to voluntarily carry out regular checks on conditions in local police cells.
"It was very good to see them in action. They carry out a valuable public service that give detainees and police officers peace of mind."
"Custody visitors give up their time for free to check up on police facilities. This means the public can trust the high standards of our police because they are checked by independent members of the public."
Those interested in joining the volunteering scheme can find details at www.dyfed-powys.pcc.police.uk
