Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council welcomed Inspector for Montgomeryshire, Matthew Price from Dyfed Powys Police to the last full council meeting to introduce the new Police operating model for Powys & Montgomeryshire.
The change which came into place in November has been introduced as it is acknowledged that the previous systems of work didn’t always allow the Police to work in the best ways for victims. Officers were required to split their time between investigation tasks and responding to live incidents. Communication to victims was not as regular as required and crimes were taking longer to be recorded.
As part of the presentation, it was explained that there will now be dedicated investigation teams based in stations, which means response officers are freed up to respond to incidents and keeping our streets safe. Adopting this model hopes that it will make reporting and investigating crime quicker and more convenient for victims.
The requirement of the changes needed are to ensure that the Police service can meet victim needs and the demands of modern policing. Inspector Matthew Price explained it was “a work in progress: we will be reviewing as we go, listening to what victims have to say, and adapting to further improve.” The model will be scrutinised at every step by chief officers, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and by our communities.
The changes coming into place hope that it allows more time for Response officers to:
- Respond to community concerns
- Proactive policing, e.g. carrying out warrants and patrols
- Supporting victims and witnesses at the scene
- Problem-solving, e.g. ASB, criminal behaviour orders, persistent local issues
- Being visible in our communities
- Speaking to people: making sure vulnerable people get the support they need.
