The Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 16 February 2024 to review the Dyfed-Powys Police's PEEL assessment, discuss tackling fraud and cybercrime, and consider performance reports. The Panel unanimously endorsed the Police and Crime Commissioner's proposal to increase the Dyfed-Powys Police precept by 6.2% for 2024/25.

PEEL Assessment 2023-2025 and Response by the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel considered the findings of the HMICFRS Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) assessment of Dyfed-Powys Police. The assessment rated the force as ‘adequate’ in six categories and ‘requiring improvement’ in two. Areas highlighted for improvement included the recording of reasonable grounds for stop and search, the need for an independent use of force external scrutiny panel, and increasing the visibility and accessibility of neighbourhood policing teams. The Panel also discussed the force's communication with local people and the need to reduce abandoned non-emergency calls.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr. D. Llywelyn, provided a comprehensive response detailing the work undertaken to address the areas of concern and outlining further planned steps. He assured the Panel that the force was committed to improving its performance in all identified areas. The Panel resolved to note the report.

Tackling Fraud and Cyber Crime

A report was presented on the progress made in tackling fraud and cybercrime within Dyfed-Powys since 2019. The report highlighted the increasing threat from these crimes, which account for over half of all recorded crime across England and Wales. The Dyfed-Powys Police Economic Crime Team was praised for its expertise and commitment to safeguarding communities. The Panel noted the success stories, including the recognition of the Economic Crime Team at the Welsh Local Government Safer Communities Awards and a significant fraud investigation that resulted in an eight-year prison sentence. The Panel resolved to note the report.

Policing Protocol - Performance Report

The Panel reviewed the performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner against the requirements of the Policing Protocol Order. The report detailed the Commissioner's performance across various areas, including setting strategic direction, scrutinising force performance, holding the Chief Constable to account, and managing the budget. The majority of actions were rated as Green (fully compliant), with a significant number also rated as Amber (partially compliant). The Panel resolved to note the report.

OPCC Business Plan - Progress Report

A progress report on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's (OPCC) Business Plan for 2023/24 was presented. The report outlined the progress made against actions aligned with the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan. Of the 51 actions within the business plan, 20 were rated as Green, 29 as Amber, and 2 as Red. The Panel resolved to note the report.

Decisions Made by the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel reviewed decisions made by the Police and Crime Commissioner between 17 October 2023 and 7 February 2024. These decisions included sponsorship for Race Council Cymru, continuation of funding for the Stalking & Harassment Coordinator post, and approval of tenders for photovoltaic panel installations at several police stations. The Panel commended the Operation Tinsel initiative, which targets community members experiencing loneliness, and suggested that the matter be raised at the next meeting of the Policing Board with a view to extending the initiative across the Force area. The Panel resolved to receive the report.