Gareth aims to improve the profile of policing in Wales

3 September 2021

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair and Welsh Affairs Sub-Committee (WASC) member Gareth Jones is determined to use his role to continue to improve the profile of policing in Wales.

Gareth said he saw the role of the WASC as making sure the Welsh forces worked together to provide the best possible service and support to Police Federation members.

And he said his position in the Dyfed Powys branch enabled him to work in close partnership with his fellow Welsh Federation officials and allowed the free flow of information across the four forces to ensure consistent service for members.

He said: “Historically, the Welsh forces have experienced a lack of support from the centre and were at one time forgotten about. 

“This has since improved, and we have attendance from our English colleagues on the WASC which is invaluable. We all meet the challenges faced by the Welsh forces by actively participating in the WASC meetings.”

Gareth joined the police in June 1995 and lists his time spent on RPU as an advanced car and motorcycle rider and serving as a VIP car and motorcycle rider escorting royalty and other VIPs as career highlights.

Other significant career milestones include passing the Air Support observer course, which he described as  demanding and very rewarding, passing the sergeants’ and inspectors’ exams and being promoted most recently to chief inspector.

He also attended and successfully passed a very demanding tactical firearms commanders’ course in January 2019.

Gareth became a Police Federation representative in 2018 to help fellow officers who needed advice or support with workplace or personal issues. 

He also wanted to ensure the organisation provided the necessary support to officers and make sure they are all treated equally and fairly.

Gareth said: “Not always being able to give members the answer or resolution they wanted is one of the challenges of the role.

“But supporting a member throughout their journey, be it a personal, performance or misconduct related matter, is very rewarding.”

He was a workplace rep for two years before becoming a Branch Board member, vice-chair and then chair.

He said: “As branch chair, I act as the internal and external spokesperson for the branch, ensuring one clear united voice is always delivered. 

“I work in unison with the Branch Board to define and deliver the strategic direction of the branch. I work towards ensuring that the welfare of members and the Force are at the heart of the service we, as a branch, provide.

“I also attend all the Force strategic meetings and deputise for the specialist case manager when both formal and informal attendance and performance management meetings take place.”