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Another critical report on Dyfed-Powys Police

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Confident Force is effective: PCC Christopher Salmon, Conservative candidate

Confident Force is effective: PCC Christopher Salmon, Conservative candidate

A FURTHER report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has found ‘some shortcomings’ in the Dyfed-Powys Force’s approach to investigating crimes and has suggested that insufficient attention is being paid to the victims of crimes when allocating investigators.

The report is not all bad news, however: it finds that the force works effectively with partners and highlights its joint work with Barnardo’s to support runaway children.

Dyfed-Powys Police has a strong ethic to protect the vulnerable. However, the report finds that this is overshadowed by difficulties that call-handlers have in identifying vulnerability at the first point of contact. Additionally, the service to some domestic abuse victims falls short of acceptable standards.

Perhaps most troublingly, the report finds that there is a lack of availability of experienced detectives and out-of-hours coverage.

More positively, the force has three integrated offender management (IOM) units. HMIC found these to be well managed and their staff are highly motivated and their systems and ways of working are effective at curbing the offending behaviour of the most prolific offenders in Dyfed-Powys.

In October 2015 HMIC graded the force’s financial and workforce future planning as “requiring improvement” – the only force in Wales not to receive a grading of “good”.

Last week HMIC said the force also “required improvement” in the way in which it treats members of the public.

Commissioner responsible for 'a catalogue of failures': Dafydd Llywelyn, Plaid candidate

Commissioner responsible for ‘a catalogue of failures’: Dafydd Llywelyn, Plaid candidate

Dafydd Llywelyn, who is the former Principal Crime and Intelligence Officer at Dyfed Powys, has today been equally as critical of the current Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, Christopher Salmon. Mr Llywelyn, currently lecturing in Criminology, said today’s report made him think that “enough is enough”.

He added that the workforce and residents in Dyfed and Powys communities needed a new Commissioner who could competently lead the force.

Dafydd Llywelyn said: “In recent weeks and months HM Inspectorate of Constabulary has been very critical of Dyfed Powys Police Force. I am deeply concerned to see yet another damning report today.

“Let’s take stock of the current position of Dyfed Powys: HM Inspectorate has said the police force has put workforce cuts before organisational requirements, has no clear plans as to how the force will manage future budget cuts and that the force is not performing well in child protection cases.

“Last week HM Inspectorate issued a damning verdict on the way the force treats and engages with the public. Today the independent watchdog said the force must improve how it keeps us safe and improve on how it can reduce crime.

“All of these critical reports have been issued within the last few months. The current Conservative police and crime commissioner has presided over a catalogue of failures and I think enough is enough.

“Dyfed Powys Police force, the resident is serves and its workforce are desperate for new and competent leadership. That leadership can only come with a change of Commissioner in May.”

Mr Llywelyn concluded: “As things stand, with critical Inspectorate report after critical Inspectorate report, the public would not have any confidence in the decision making and appointment by the current Commissioner.”

In response to today’s HMIC report Police Effectiveness 2015, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “Dyfed-Powys has the lowest crime rates in England and Wales.

“Crime and antisocial behaviour combined have fallen further and faster here than anywhere else in Wales since 2012.

“Dyfed-Powys Police investigate every crime. They take more cases to court than the average in England and Wales.

“Since my election in 2012 we have more officers spending more time on our communities’ streets.

“We have more officers investigating the most serious crimes and my Help Hub has increased support for victims.

“There is always more to do but I am confident that Dyfed-Powys is effective and keeping people safe and reducing crime.”

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Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

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THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

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Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

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THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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