PSA president committed to working with Federation

18 August 2021

Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) president Paul Griffiths has vowed to work closely with the Police Federation and the Welsh Government to ensure forces can provide the best possible service to the public.

Paul, a chief superintendent with Gwent Police, got involved with the PSA at a Force level in 2010 and then took a regional role in 2013 before being elected as vice- president in a fully seconded position three years later.

In his role as PSA president, he leads and represents the country’s 1,300 superintendents, playing a role on national boards and with all key stakeholders to support members. He is also a member of the Federation's Welsh Affairs Sub-Committee (WASC).

Paul said: “As a Welsh officer, I recognise the importance of working with a devolved government in Wales and welcome the opportunity to work with the Police Federation of England and Wales to deliver this.

“I see the role of WASC as working in Wales on devolved issues and provide a voice for Welsh policing across the whole of the UK.

“There are political challenges in relation to a devolved government and an England and Wales police service and WASC has an important role to play in ensuring that this is recognised and catered for by both governments.

“We aim to meet these challenges by constantly raising the profile and uniqueness of Welsh policing in Westminster.”

Paul has served in both uniform and detective ranks throughout his career with Gwent Police.

He has performed operational, investigative and organisational roles for the Force and is a senior investigating officer, strategic firearms commander, authorising officer and a negotiator co-ordinator.

Paul, who joined the police in 1994,  led one of the largest modern slavery investigations in the UK and lists that alongside his 2019 election as president of the PSA as career highlights.

But he admits there have also been low points.

He said: “There are always low points in everyone’s careers but it’s all part of the ‘roller coaster ride’ we all have. It’s still the best job in the world!”