A year on from the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, the Dyfed-Powys commissioner says he has taken some significant steps towards reforming the police force and delivering better services for communities.

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 Mark Collins and a new leadership team. He was grateful for the response of the workforce and from communities, when he set out to establish the type of Chief Constable that was required for Dyfed-Powys Police.

His decision to ask for an increase in the precept was not taken lightly, but followed consultation that determined that our communities were willing to pay more for policing.

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 area. It will also enable enhancement to services provided to our most rural communities and improvements to be made in areas identified though HMIC inspections resulting in a more favourable grading.

He reviewed and restructured his office and has saved £100,000 in running costs, which has gone towards the previously mentioned investments.

In March, he launched his Police and Crime Plan, and said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, the security and safety of the residents served by Dyfed-Powys Police is my priority.

“Through the Police and Crime Plan I have set the strategic direction and priorities for Dyfed-Powys Police for the next 5 years.

I am working closely with community safety and criminal justice partners to ensure that services are effective and efficient at keeping people safe, supporting victims and bringing people to justice. With our partners, we will explore opportunities for the joint commissioning of services to help make our communities safer.”

“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.”