Welsh Minister for Social Justice, , has joined South Wales Police on patrol in Barry, gaining
invaluable insight into the work they do day in and day out to keep
communities safe.
The ride-along and shadowing of officers this week followed the
Minister’s desire to gain a deeper understanding into the types
of issues the response unit deals with as they are called to live
incidents while on duty.
Policing is not devolved to Wales, but the Minister for Social
Justice does have responsibility for community safety. Welsh
Government and Policing in Wales therefore have a long and
productive history of partnership working with the united aim of
keeping Wales safe and to serve communities.
Ministers have also committed to investing in Police Community
Support Officers across Wales which provide a vital link between
neighbourhoods and the police.
Welsh Government will maintain funding for 500 PCSOs and increase
their number by 100 over this Senedd term. The funding shows the
importance the Welsh Government places on the values of
community, equality and social justice.
PCSOs work with police officers and share some, but not all of
their powers. Acting as eyes and ears on the ground for forces,
they take a problem-solving approach to develop long term and
sustainable solutions to issues and build local relationships
through various initiatives that create a sense of security in
communities.
A vital tool in policing to ensure communities are safe and
protected, they work with the most vulnerable, providing advice
and support to the general public about a wide variety of
community safety issues.
Some of the areas PCSOs support frontline policing with include
stopping speeding outside schools, reporting vandalism and
reducing anti-social behaviour.
Minister for Social Justice, said:
I want to thank the officers at Barry Police Station for sharing
their experiences with me, and for the important and valued work
they do every single day to keep us all safe.
Policing is such an important part of our communities. Our Police
Officers and Police Community Support Officers play a vital role
in ensuring people in every part of Wales feel protected.
Spending time with them on patrol has allowed me to understand
the different incidents they are called out to and how these
relate to areas the Welsh Government has responsibility for, such
as health and social care.
Our aim is to ensure communities in Wales are strong and safe,
with the resources they need to cut crime.
