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Speaking of the proposals within the document, Chair of South Wales Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “Home Secretary Theresa May has set out the Coalition Government’s proposals for the overhaul of the police service.  As an Authority, we recognise that changes need to be made, and welcome the drive to cut the role of Central Government in policing, thus allowing greater concentration on local priorities.

 

“This is something that as an Authority, we have been looking to develop and achieve over the last few years – which has already seen excellent performance results.  For example, while the Home Secretary suggests that crime is too high, within South Wales it is at its lowest level for 20 years.  Recent Home Office figures have supported this –with crime falling by nearly 14,000 in the last year alone – that equates to 37 fewer victims of crime every day.

 

“We agree with the Home Secretary’s proposal to cut bureaucracy for our officers.  This is something that the public of South Wales, through our consultation activities, has been asking for, and something we have been looking to introduce.  For example, the use of handheld computers means that details can be logged while officers stay out on patrol, instead of having to return to the police station, thus ensuring an increase in policing presence in all our communities.

 

“The paper also proposes the abolition of Police Authorities, with the introduction of a new directly elected Police and Crime Commissioner.  This individual will be responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account, setting local priorities, and setting the police precept element of council tax – some of the responsibilities currently held by Police Authorities. 

 

“One of our main concerns is the timing of the introduction of the Police and Crime Commissioner.  As we are all aware, we continue to face very difficult and challenging financial times.  In the Autumn of this year we are expecting substantial cuts from our budget.  However, the introduction of a Police and Crime Commissioner will undoubtedly increase costs, rather than reduce them.  There is, for example, the question of payment for the individual.  This would be a very powerful and full-time position, and substantial remuneration would be expected for the role.  This would be significantly more than the current payments to Police Authority Members.  In addition, the Commissioner will be subject to scrutiny by a Police and Crime Panel, consisting of Councillors and Independent Members.  This is akin to the current composition of a Police Authority, so in effect the Government’s proposals will add an extra tier of governance, and at substantial added cost.

 

“As a Police Authority, we are dedicated to ensuring that politics stays well and truly out of policing – this is the only way that an effective police service can be provided to our communities.  British policing is admired across the world.  One reason for this is that it is non-political.  By having directly elected representatives, politics will be placed firmly at the heart of policing.  The Home Secretary herself has previously said that she wanted to keep politics out of policing.  It is difficult to see how this is possible with a directly elected Commissioner.

 

“There are also the concerns relating to the cost of running the elections and potential referenda on the policing precept, and how these will be funded, the possibility of political extremists getting into power due to low electoral turnout rates and the management of public expectations in terms of the role and responsibilities of the Commissioner.

 

“There is also the danger of a Commissioner focusing on short-term populist measures and priorities without having proper and responsible regard for the “bigger picture”.  The four Police Authority in Wales, together with their Chief Constables, are acknowledged leaders in collaboration and tackling extremism and serious organised crime which are often “hidden” services to the electorate.  It would be hugely disappointing if this productive and effective work was put into jeopardy.

 

“We are pleased to see that the consultation document recognises our differences in Wales with our devolved Government and its statutory responsibilities for community safety.  We await the outcome of the discussions between the two forms of Government in the hope that the final decision on the proposals is the best possible for our communities within South Wales.

 

“While we feel there are drawbacks and considerations which must be taken into account, as outlined above, we will, with our partners, work with the Home Office to ensure that the changes brought in are for the best for our local communities.”