Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner reflects on year in office

Looking back on his first year in office, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: "I have worked hard to repay the faith our communities put in me a year ago and will continue to do so. I am pleased with some of the progress made in the last 12 months, but I am not complacent.

"There continues to be significant challenges ahead, and a lot of further important work to be done."

Since coming into office, the commissioner has appointed a new chief constable and a new leadership team.

Mr Llywelyn says he and Chief Constable Mark Collins work closely, and have started attending community meetings together so that the public have a chance to discuss issues and challenge them face to face.

In terms of finances, Mr Llywelyn said he has worked to secure the best financial deal for the region and met with the UK Policing Minister to discuss the future funding formula. He said his decision to ask for a rise in the precept was not taken lightly, but followed consultation that determined that communities were willing to pay more for policing.

The commissioner says the increase in budget will enable him to move ahead with plans to re-invest and implement the re-structuring and installation of CCTV across the Dyfed-Powys force area. It will also enable enhancement to services provided to the most rural communities and improvements to be made in areas identified though HMIC inspections resulting in a more favourable grading.

Over the course of the 12 months, Mr Llywelyn says he has invested heavily into the Cyber Crime Unit, to tackle the ever increasing threat and harm caused by cyber crime, has secured eight new officers who are dedicated to protecting vulnerable people, as well as investing £180,000 per annum across the four counties to support the work of the youth offending and prevention teams, to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system and to attempt to break the cycle of re-offending.

Additionally, he has recently announced funding that is available for community groups equating to £75,000 by launching the commissioner's community funding. It offers grants of up to £5,000 to charities, voluntary organisations and community groups so they can develop ideas that have a positive impact on the areas they work in.

Mr Llywelyn added: "Since I was elected, the challenges ahead have been clear to me. The force is making great strides with body worn video and mobile technology, but there is still work to do to make the service as effective and efficient as possible.

"I am clear on my priorities, to keep our communities safe, safeguarding the vulnerable, protecting our communities from serious threats, and connecting with communities. I will continue to hold the chief constable to account in respect of delivery of these. I am confident that we can return to being a leading force in England and Wales."