5.1 QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR IAN ROFFE
“Poor officer health and well-being and the early departure of experienced
staff can often have a detrimental impact on the efficiency and
effectiveness of a police force. How are you ensuring that the Chief
Constable is addressing these issues appropriately and are you satisfied
with the results of his efforts.”
5.2 QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR IAN ROFFE
“The report of Baroness Casey, into the Metropolitan Police highlighted
many serious concerns with that force. What relevance do you see that
the report has for Dyfed Powys and what steps will you be taking to
ensure that the lessons identified are not missed.”
5.3 QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILLIAM DENSTON POWELL
“The tackling of rural crime is an area where DPP has made real progress
in recent years. However, there are concerns that momentum has
slackened of late. Do you share these concerns. What steps will you be
taking to ensure that the good progress is maintained in the future?”
5.4 QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILLIAM DENSTON POWELL
“In July 2022, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation
published its review of police firearms licensing and highlighted significant
variations in the efficiency and effectiveness of forces across England
and Wales. Dyfed-Powys was in the middle quartile, taking and average
of 93 days to deal with each application. These delays are a cause for
concern. What steps are you taking to ensure that the Force is
maintaining an efficient and fit for purpose Firearms Licensing regime for
Dyfed-Powys?”
Minutes:
5.1 QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR IAN ROFFE
“Poor officer health and well-being and the early departure of experienced staff can often have a detrimental impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of a police force. How are you ensuring that the Chief Constable is addressing these issues appropriately and are you Satisfied with the results of his efforts?”
Response by the Commissioner:
The Commissioner advised that a report with a full response to the question would be emailed outside of the meeting.
The Commissioner advised that the majority of the force have less than five years in service and there were less, senior colleagues to support the younger officers. The Force have a People, Culture and Ethic Board where wellbeing strategies and occupational health issues are discussed. The 2021-22 Inspection Report highlighted work undertaken in the Dyfed Powys Force in offering staff a good range of support networks. The Commissioner was satisfied with the support for all staff and the Force had recently received a gold award for Investors in People. The Commissioner informed the Panel that staff have opportunities to hold private sessions with Occupational Health if requested.
5.2 QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR IAN ROFFE
“The report of Baroness Casey, into the Metropolitan Police highlighted many serious concerns with that force. What relevance do you see that the report has for Dyfed Powys and what steps will you be taking to ensure that the lessons identified are not missed.”
Response by the Commissioner:
The Commissioner advised that when speaking with new recruits, the one message he delivers is one of the high standards that the Dyfed Powys force holds. The Panel were informed that there is a National recommendation around vetting and re-vetting of staff and that his office had recently been through this process.
5.3 QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILLIAM DENSTON POWELL
“The tackling of rural crime is an area where DPP has made real progress in recent years. However, there are concerns that momentum has slackened of late. Do you share these concerns. What steps will you be taking to ensure that the good progress is maintained in the future?”
Response by the Commissioner:
The Commissioner reassured the Panel that progress will be maintained in rural areas. The Force is more proactive around intelligence in criminal activities. The Panel was advised that there had been an investment in drones, supplementing the rural crime team. This will be part of the wider team as and when required. The Commissioner informed the Panel that access to the dashboard was now available to his team to monitor some of the performances. The Strategic Board would now be re-invigorated.
5.4 QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILLIAM DENSTON POWELL
“In July 2022, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation published its review of police firearms licensing and highlighted significant variations in the efficiency and effectiveness of forces across England and Wales. Dyfed-Powys was in the middle quartile, taking and Average of 93 days to deal with each application. These delays are a cause for concern. What steps are you taking to ensure that the Force is maintaining an efficient and fit for purpose Firearms Licensing regime for Dyfed Powys?”
Response by the Commissioner:
The Commissioner informed the Panel that he meets with BASC along with the Chief Constable regularly to discuss issues. There is a new guidance to be published after the Plymouth incident. The Force Review Team are looking into why there is delays in processing licenses. The Commissioner informed the Panel that he would provide a comprehensive response into cost element of licenses.