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Police commissioner puts more bobbies on the beat

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bobbysTHE HERALD spoke exclusively with the Police Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police Force, Christopher Salmon. We asked him a number of questions that the public had forwarded to us, including what value he placed on his role: 

“Every day I bring rigorous scrutiny to the spending of public money that amounts to around £100m every year. I also offer 24/7 opportunities for the public to tell the Chief Constable through me what they want from the police who get the majority of that money. “Another important practice my office has brought to the criminal justice system is that of new thinking on behalf of the public. Without us, for instance, there would be no innovation such as our forthcoming mental health triage service. A partnership between Dyfed-Powys Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board and the Welsh Ambulance Service, means the units should be operational by this autumn.”A key area, according to the remit of the Police Commissioner’s role, is that of holding the Police Force to account. Mr Salmon explained how he was performing this task. “Every week I meet the Chief Constable formally. This is an opportunity for him to get my views on what the public want and for me to scrutinise the activities of the police. My new Residents” Panel is just one good example of how I’m positively influencing Dyfed-Powys Police. This is a team of volunteers I’ve recruited to independently scrutinise the police complaints process. With an inquiring and analytical approach, they study public complaint files and recommend improvements to the force’s processes. “The people of Pembrokeshire must trust the police, and one way of building that trust is for the public themselves to scrutinise the complaints process. One of my priorities is professionalism and that extends to the recruitment process. Dyfed-Powys Police is going through a workforce restructuring process right now and the Chief Constable, who employs that workforce, very much wants the right people with the right skills in the right jobs. “I encourage all good people with a professional, public-focused outlook to consider joining the force as an officer, PCSO or member of the civilian support staff. We also have some superb volunteer opportunities, including for Special Constable posts. This web page is a good read http:// www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/jointhe- police/police-staff.” Many Pembrokeshire residents, particularly parents, are very concerned about the alarming issue of legal highs, an area in which the Commissioner had a clear message. “I urge parents and pupils to find out more about substance misuse on this website – www.schoolbeat.org. New legal highs frequently contain substances that are not legal and canít be assumed safe. These substances have not been properly tested for toxicity so there is no way of telling how it will affect you. “I am well aware that in May a number of pupils were treated at Pembroke School after a reaction to a psychoactive substance. That was potentially dangerous to those involved and disturbing for their families. Police officers visited the school to provide advice, support and reassurance. If you’re concerned about any substance please make the police aware of your worries.” The Herald wanted to know the importance of crime statistics, and as to whether Christopher Salmon believed these to be significant in the fight against crime. “The important thing about us creating 30 new police officers posts around Dyfed-Powys is not statistics but confidence. The public constantly tell me they want more bobbies on the beat so thatís what I’ve given them. Right now a great deal simply isnít brought to the forceís attention for a number of reasons. Dyfed-Powys remains a low-crime region and, although crime fighting shouldnít be driven by statistics, I do hope the public take some comfort in the figures as they stand. “I also hope that police officers, who do a difficult job, are encouraged. My strategy is to not set targets but to raise confidence levels in our communities. I want to keep communities safe from crime, to protect vulnerable people and to bring people to justice. In Dyfed-Powys there are more bobbies on the beat for a start and the policy at police stations these days is: “When we’re in, we’re open!” Whilst I want officers out and about in local communities, some people still visit them in our stations. I want the public to be more aware than ever of how they can meet or speak to police officers. “You can access the police easily – in person at local meetings or briefings or by visiting a station, or by calling 101 and asking to speak to the local neighbourhood team. You can also find your nearest police station and news of officer activity on the force’s smartphone app. I have high hopes of two new services which I’ve just commissioned. Welsh business Gr’p Gwalia has won a contract to reduce antisocial behaviour across Dyfed- Powys and the charity Hafan Cymru has won a contract to reduce youth offending here. Gwalia will identify and manage risk to people who have experienced antisocial behaviour. “Hafan, with a close focus on substance misuse and domestic abuse, will work with youths who are either at risk of offending or have already done so. With substance misuse and domestic abuse often being factors in the lives of such individuals, Hafan’s project will address such issues. “I also urge Herald readers to take my latest quick-fire survey which lets me know how theywould like minor misdemeanours to be punished. Simply go to www.bit.ly/ DPCRsurvey , phone 01267 226457 or request a form by writing to OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF. The survey closes on July 18”. Finally we asked what were his priorities over the rest of his term, to which he responded: “My priorities remain the same as they have done since I was elected by the people of Dyfed-Powys preventing and dealing with crime; protecting vulnerable people; bringing people to justice; enhancing access to the police; ensuring high standards of professionalism and; spending wisely.”

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Community

Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital

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THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.

The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.

The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect.  The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.

Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional.  We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.

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Community

Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch

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PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.

Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”

PWR Director Toby Ellis (Image: Facebook)

The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.

“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.

On Air: PWR DJ, Tom Dyer

The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.

Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.

“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”

Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].

The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.

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Crime

West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault

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A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.

Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery. 

Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.

“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.

“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.

“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”

Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.

“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.

“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.

“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”

Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.

“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”

Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.

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