Agenda item

The Mayor welcomed to the meeting Chief Superintendent Steve Jones BCU Commander for Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, who gave a presentation to Council on the current position for South Wales Police.

Following the presentation members asked, of the 13,000 figure of extra officers outlined by West Minister how many would Neath Port Talbot benefit from. Chief Superintendent Jones responded by saying that whilst he was unsure how the 13,000 would currently be implemented, he was keen to keep pushing Welsh Government.

Members gave special thanks to Police Officer Tom Richardson for his continued work within the community of Sandfields West. Members asked for information relating to additional policing staff and of which how many were dedicated to local communities. Chief Superintendent Jones responded by saying that whilst overall numbers did not increase, response officers did. As an example response officers increased in Neath by 10, 2 per shift. Response calls and actions were outlined to Members. Chief Superintendent stated that whilst officers may not be visible in communities, lots of work was still going on behind the scenes.

Members went on to ask a further question, asking how long will the set period be for maintaining officers, including the Police Inspector? Chief Superintendent followed on with a response stating whilst turn arounds in Leadership is often, the force are keen to establish 10 year, however in reality the figure stands at around 3 to 4 years. South Wales Police share Members concerns.

Members requested that the presentation be shared as there was some communities missing from the data. Chief Superintendent explained that this was due to the format of the report but would happy to oblige in sharing the data with Members.

Members thanks the Chief Superintendent for the presentation given at today’s Council meeting. The Deputy Leader went on to tell Council of their recent meeting with the new Police Commissioner Emma Wools which was received positively.