North Wales Police performance under review at Commissioner scrutiny meeting

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin has scrutinized the North Wales Police’s performance at a recent Strategic Executive Board meeting, assessing their work against his Police and Crime Plan’s priorities.

The review is part of the ongoing role of PCCs in England and Wales to ensure accountability and efficiency within police forces.

Mr Dunbobbin, who oversees the North Wales Police, held the meeting on May 10th, examining their performance, including adherence to the Police and Crime Plan, which he devised in consultation with residents.

His top priorities include delivering safer neighbourhoods, establishing a fair and effective criminal justice system, and supporting victims and communities.

The meeting saw an in-depth review of the Force’s performance regarding Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), professional policing standards, and policing culture.

The assessment also covered the North Wales Police’s adherence to the National VAWG action plan, their partnership in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) for domestic abuse, and the activities of the Amethyst team, which investigates rape and supports victims.

Mr Dunbobbin also scrutinised how the North Wales Police Professional Standards Department is aligning with initiatives implemented by the Chief Constable to enhance police culture and behaviour.

Discussions ranged from demonstrating an ethical policing culture to engaging local communities on law enforcement decisions, particularly those that disproportionately impact certain groups.

Speaking about the meeting, Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin commented, “The Strategic Executive Board enables me to examine how the Chief Constable is performing in critical areas, particularly those in my Police and Crime Plan.”

He acknowledged the ongoing need to improve support for VAWG victims, target perpetrators, and implement the VAWG action plan effectively.

He said: “In respect of examining professional standards and culture this is vitally important, as recently there have been high-profile cases of gross misconduct and examples of behaviour falling well below the standard expected.”

“As PCC, I fully recognise that such incidents and the publication of the report by Baroness Casey into the Metropolitan Police has led to a weakening of public trust and confidence in the police.”

Mr Dunbobbin said: “I fully support the Chief Constable in the work she is doing in looking at these issues in the context of North Wales Police, including the recent report she prepared – and which I published – looking at the implications of the case of former Met Police officer David Carrick.”

“This included information on the prevalence of cases of misogyny, figures on cases under investigation and the measures being implemented to protect the public and ensure the correct vetting of officers.”

“At the Strategic Executive Board, I was reassured that the Chief has a focus on all these key areas, and I will continue to scrutinise how North Wales Police performs on these issues.”