News

Salmon against devolution of policing powers

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2014

IN RESPONSE to the Silk commission, Dyfed-Powys Police Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has said that he is against the devolution of policing to the Welsh Government.

Set up in October 2011, the Silk Commission is a cross-party body — lead by Sir Paul Silk — which has been examining the future of devolution in Wales.

Dyfed-Powys PCC Christopher Salmon said: “I welcome this report; it’s important that we have ongoing public discussion about major issues.

“The key question in considering a change to policing and justice as recommended by Silk is: ‘What will it do to cut crime, catch criminals, make communities safer and make people feel more secure in their homes?’

“It’s not clear to me that the recommendations will do that at all; they would merely add another costly link to the chain between where the money comes from within the UK Government to here on policing’s frontline in streets across Dyfed-Powys and Wales.

“I don’t see how Silk would enhance our ability to catch criminals. It would add great deal more expense, and fracturing the criminal justice system down the border would make it harder for us to bring justice and easier for people to escape justice.

“I’m all for devolution as a principle but, as regards policing, I think we already have the right local system in place.

“We have the balance about right now between Westminster and Wales. We have strong local accountability in the form of Police and Crime Commissioners and, in Dyfed-Powys, that has allowed me to find savings of more than 4% since I arrived whilst adding 30 more police officers to the force.

“That’s happened because we can focus our efforts entirely on serving the public within a strong UK policing framework which acknowledges that criminals don’t respect the border between England and Wales. We need to maintain those links.

“Yes, we need to work closely together in Wales – but the best way to do that is not constitutional tinkering but more about taking away some of the bureaucracy that surrounds government departments.

“In Dyfed-Powys we already work very closely with local agencies such as health boards on drug use, councils on anti-social behaviour and that’s happening because we have somebody local – the PCC – who understands the needs of local people, listens to their concerns and acts on them.

“Centralising things in Cardiff would be no better than centralising things in Westminster.”

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.