3 January 2012
New Era for Police Authority
2012 brings in a new era for South Wales Police Authority, with the appointment of Cerith Thomas as the organisations new Chief Executive.
Mr Thomas, 45, from Maesteg, has been appointed on an interim basis, until the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner in November. Before his appointment, Mr Thomas was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Police Authority, and has been involved with the organisation since 1995.
Mr Thomas said: “This is a big year for South Wales Police Authority. In November, the Authority will be abolished, and replaced with a Police and Crime Commissioner. Over the coming months, my priority is to ensure a smooth transfer of power between the two.
“This is the biggest change to policing for 40 years, and I want to ensure that we are prepared to hit the ground running once the new Commissioner is appointed.”
Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “Cerith is a very capable officer, and is the right appointment to help bridge the transition between the Authority and the incoming Commissioner. He has the knowledge and experience required, along with the enthusiasm and dedication needed in these changing times.”
Mr Thomas replaces Alan Fry OBE, who retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2011, after holding the position for 17 years.