Countdown begins to the biggest change in policing in almost 200 years

The biggest change to the way the police service is run in England & Wales is just six months away, when people will have the opportunity to vote for their first ever local Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC).

People living in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area i.e. Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Ceredigion, will be given the opportunity to have their say on policing by voting for their preferred candidate on November 15th, this year.

The key role of the PCC will be to set the strategic direction of the Police Force. Many of their duties will extend beyond those of Police Authorities’ to include commissioning of services and improved partnership working with criminal justice partners.

The Chief Constable will retain operational independence and will continue to deliver policing services that meet the priorities set by the PCC on behalf of communities.

Delyth Humfryes, Chair of Dyfed Powys Police Authority, said: “I think it’s important that we all understand that the PCC is a major change to the way policing is governed and scrutinised in England & Wales.

“Effective policing of our communities protecting the public from crime and anti-social behaviour is a vitally important public service. Dyfed Powys Police has a reputation for excellent performance which has been scrutinised by the Police Authority over many years.

“I hope whoever becomes the PCC for Dyfed Powys will be able to carry on the positive legacy from the Police Authority, so that people living and working in Mid and West Wales will continue to receive a first class policing service.”

Further information about Police and Crime Commissioners can be found on the Authority’s website: www.dyfedpowyspoliceauthority.co.uk the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners and the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk

When the election is called, the Police Area Returning Officer (PARO) will be Mr Bryn Parry-Jones of County Hall, Haverfordwest, who is responsible for the conduct of the election.