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Police Authority Publish Annual Report

webmaster@south-wales.pnn.police.uk (Editor) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Wales Police Authority has today published its annual report for 2008-09.

The annual report, which can be found on its website at www.southwalespoliceauthority.org.uk, sets out the work of the Authority during the last twelve months, the collaboration work which has taken place across Wales, along with the expenses and attendance figures of Members.

Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “The last year has been very busy for South Wales Police Authority. Our annual report reflects the huge amount of work which is completed each and every year by the Authority – largely invisible to the general public.

“This year we have included the allowances and expenses claimed by Members, along with their attendance record. We want to be as open and transparent as possible with this. The attendance figures shown represent only the official Police Authority meetings, and do not include other duties undertaken in their communities.”

To receive a copy of the annual report by post, please contact the Police Authority office on 01656 869366 or by email to police.authority@south-wales.pnn.police.uk.

Public Have Confidence in Police

webmaster@south-wales.pnn.police.uk (Editor) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Two thirds of people in South Wales have confidence in their local police, according to figures released by the Police Authority.

A survey recently undertaken across the seven council areas found that of the 1,246 asked whether they agree the police and local council are dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter in their area, 67.3% of people said they did.

Consultation events were held in supermarkets and shopping centres across South Wales – giving people the chance to have their say on policing while out and about.

Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “The figures found are excellent, and show that confidence in the police is high. During our events people did say that they wanted to see more police on the streets and that more could be done to tackle anti-social behaviour in certain areas. However, on the whole the public stated that they were satisfied with the service.

“The results of this survey are important as the service is now measured nationally on the confidence local people have in their police. The official figures from the British Crime Survey found that the confidence of people in South Wales is much lower than our findings – at around 43%. We will now be doing work to find out why there is such a difference.”

The Police Authority would like to know whether you agree with these findings. Do you think the police are doing a good job and what improvements could be made? To have your say become part of a consultation panel with the Police Authority. Visit the website at www.southwalespoliceauthority.org.uk and register, or contact 01656 869366 and give your details.

Crime Continues to Fall In South Wales

webmaster@south-wales.pnn.police.uk (Editor) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Wales has seen a 19% drop in domestic burglary, autocrime and robbery in April and May of this year, according to figures provided to the Police Authority yesterday.

The figures show that the numbers recorded for these types of crime has fallen from 4295 in April – May of 2008 to 3495 in the same period this year – meaning 800 less victims.

In addition, the numbers of assaults with less serious injury has dropped by 11% from 1583 in April-May 2008 to 1410 in April-May 2009. However, more serious violence has slightly increased by 3% from 205 last year to 212 in 2009.

Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “These performance figures highlight the excellent work that is being done across South Wales. In particular, seeing 800 less victims of crimes such as burglary, autocrime and robbery is particularly impressive, as these are the types of crime that can affect the quality of life for people.

“However, we cannot be complacent. The Police Authority has set tough targets for the Force for the next year, and we will be closely monitoring to ensure that the excellent figures already seen continue.”

New Top Cop for South Wales

webmaster@south-wales.pnn.police.uk (Editor) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Vaughan has been appointed as the new Chief Constable for South Wales Police.

The current South Wales Deputy Chief Constable was selected by the Police Authority to take over from current Chief Barbara Wilding from 1 January 2010.

Mr Vaughan, 46 from Merthyr Tydfil, started his career with South Wales Police in 1984. He left the Force briefly in 2003 to become Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, before returning as Assistant Chief Constable in January 2007. He took up the post of Deputy Chief Constable for the Force in April 2007.

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Vaughan said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be named the next Chief Constable for South Wales. I started with the Force in 1984 as a Constable on the beat in the Rhondda. Back then I was happy to serve my local community, and being Chief Constable was the furthest thing in my mind.

“South Wales Police is an excellent organisation, with outstanding performance results, particularly in the last year, yet I think we are still capable of more. My commitment is to develop our work with the public and to raise the satisfaction and confidence people have in our Force.

“I am honoured and proud to be the next Chief Constable for South Wales. My roots and family are in this area. I look forward to developing relationships with the public, our Officers and the Police Authority and ensuring this force is one of the best in the country.”

Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “The appointment of a new Chief Constable is the most critical role for the Police Authority. We must make sure that the new person is able to lead and develop the service and build upon the successes of current Chief Constable Barbara Wilding. The Authority has appointed Peter Vaughan as the new Chief Constable for South Wales because of his unstinting drive and determination to Keeping South Wales Safe.

“The decision was not an easy one as both candidates were able to offer a wide range of experience and knowledge in policing, and we are grateful to have had two such high calibre applicants for this important role.

“We are very pleased to have Peter to help lead South Wales Police into the next decade, and look forward to working alongside him to help develop and strengthen the force performance.”

Current Chief Constable Miss Barbara Wilding said: “I’m delighted to be able to hand over the Force to someone who has contributed so much to its current rate of improvement. The appointment of Peter Vaughan is a good decision for the communities of South Wales police area.”

Mr Vaughan joined South Wales Police in September 1984 and served in each area of the force performing a variety of duties, including uniformed patrol, custody, firearms and roads policing.

He became a Superintendent in 1997 and held positions including divisional commander for Merthyr Tydfil, as well as the Community Safety Department, the Crime Operations Policy Unit. In July 2001 Mr Vaughan became Chief Superintendent and divisional commander for Rhondda Cynon Taf.

In December 2003 he was appointed to the post of sole ACC for Wiltshire Police, with responsibility for all operational matters, in particular policing divisions, serious and major crime and the Operations Department. On returning to South Wales as an ACC in January 2007, he led the Criminal Justice and Community Safety Department as well as taking operational command for critical incidents and major events.

In April 2007, Mr Vaughan was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Constable at South Wales Police, a post he currently holds.

Nationally, Mr Vaughan Chairs the ACPO Police Dogs Working Group and ACPO Children and Young People Olympics portfolio.