DYFED-Powys police has seen an increase of 2000 calls over the last five years linked to ‘Protective Demand’, figures released by the College of Policing show.

The analysis shows the incoming and ongoing work of the police and suggests an increasing amount of police time is directed towards public protection work such as managing high-risk offenders and protecting victims who are at risk and often vulnerable.

Dyfed-Powys Chief Superintendent Pam Kelly said the ongoing analysis illustrates the clear changes in the types of demand being placed upon Dyfed-Powys Police.

“Traditionally, policing has concentrated on sharing data with the public depicting crime levels to show levels of demand, but just as society is changing the demands placed upon policing are changing and these demands are much broader than just crime.

“The analytical work undertaken by the force shows a clear change in crime trends, especially those linked to cyber and online fraud. However, one of the areas showing a significant increase in demand is linked to ‘Protective Demand’, this includes calls for service to help individuals trying to deal with mental illness, missing persons and other calls linked to protecting the safety of individuals; within this category Dyfed-Powys Police has seen an increase of 2000 calls over the last five years."

Dyfed-Powys police say protecting vulnerable people is one of the key priorities of the force where investigations require highly skilled individuals who are able to deal with complex cases.

The force has seen an increase of 32 per cent of the overall violent crime, sexual offences and cases linked to child protection has also seen an increase in over 258 referrals during the last year.

Additionally, there are increases in the number of individuals required to be monitored for their involvement in sex and violent offences within the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).

Chief Superintendent Kelly said the increase in complex and high risk cases require an increase in specialist staff, and such cases take time and require detailed investigations in order to support victims, bring offenders to justice and keep our communities safe.

“What this means for Dyfed-Powys Police is that at a time when police budgets are being squeezed and when our public deserve and require visible and accessible policing, we are striving to ensure that our resources, specialist officers and training are aligned and responsive to where our actual demand is. This is the challenge for forces across the country and of course for Dyfed-Powys Police.”