A CONFERENCE examining how technology is reshaping modern policing brought together experts, officers and community representatives at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen on Wednesday (Mar 4).

Hosted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Policing in a Digital Age conference welcomed guests both in person and online, with speakers discussing the opportunities and risks created by rapidly evolving digital technology.

The event, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, brought together policing professionals, partner organisations, businesses, academics and community representatives to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence, cybercrime and digital systems on community safety.

One of the opening sessions focused on how criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence. Luke Pulvirenti, AI Intelligence Coordinator, outlined how AI-assisted technologies are being used to facilitate fraud and exploitation, particularly targeting vulnerable people. He stressed the importance of public awareness and prevention.

Delegates also heard from Dyfed-Powys Police representatives Karen Marshall and Calvin Griffiths, who discussed the work of the Force Communication Centre. They explained how digital systems, CCTV and online reporting tools are transforming public contact with police and helping officers respond more effectively to incidents.

Emerging technologies were another focus of the conference. Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle and James Taylor outlined how immersive and virtual reality technologies are being explored to improve police training, particularly for first responders and officers dealing with domestic abuse investigations.

The growing cybercrime threat was addressed by Allan Rush, Cyber Fraud Investigator with Dyfed-Powys Police. He highlighted the increasing range of digital threats affecting individuals, businesses and communities across the force area.

National perspectives were also provided during the event. Scott Lloyd, Temporary Superintendent and National Science and Innovation Coordinator at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, spoke about balancing technological innovation with the need for transparency, legitimacy and public trust in AI-enabled policing.

He was joined by colleagues Dominic Edgell, a Police Sergeant, and Karl Roberts, Temporary Chief Inspector with the National Facial Recognition Unit. They explained how facial recognition technology is currently being used in policing and demonstrated the latest live facial recognition systems.

The conference concluded with a presentation from Andrew Staniforth, Director of Saher Europe, who explored how policing organisations around the world are responding to rapid technological change. His session examined international approaches to policing innovation and what lessons could shape the future of policing in the UK.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I am grateful to all of the speakers and attendees who contributed to such an insightful and thought-provoking day.

“As technology continues to evolve, it is vital that policing, partners and communities work together to understand both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

“Events such as this help ensure we remain informed, collaborative and prepared to respond to the changing nature of crime in a digital age.”

Alleged incident in Ammanford

A MOTORIST accused of dangerous driving has been sent to the Crown Court following a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Kyle Morgan, aged 27, of Heol Y Meinciau, Pontyates, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) charged with driving dangerously.

The court heard that the alleged offence took place on February 14 this year on Dyffryn Road, Ammanford.

Prosecutors allege that Morgan drove a motor vehicle in a manner that fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and that it would have been obvious to a competent driver that driving in that way was dangerous.

Dangerous driving is one of the most serious road traffic offences and carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a mandatory driving disqualification.

Magistrates were told that because of the seriousness of the allegation the case should be dealt with by the Crown Court.

Morgan was therefore sent to Swansea Crown Court where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Defendant accused of confronting man connected to criminal case

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with intimidating a witness connected to a criminal investigation.

Justin Griffiths, aged 41, of Brynhaul Street, Llanelli, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) accused of attempting to interfere with the course of justice.

The court heard that the alleged incident took place on February 10 this year in Llanelli.

Prosecutors allege that Griffiths approached and verbally confronted a man whom he knew to be a witness in an ongoing criminal matter. It is claimed that his behaviour was intended to intimidate the individual and discourage them from assisting the police investigation.

The charge states that Griffiths intimidated a witness in order to obstruct, pervert or interfere with the course of justice, contrary to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Witness intimidation offences are treated particularly seriously by the courts because they can undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings and discourage victims or witnesses from coming forward.

Magistrates were told that because of the nature of the allegation and the potential seriousness of the offence, the case was unsuitable for summary trial.

The court therefore sent Griffiths to Swansea Crown Court, where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next appearance at the Crown Court.