Welsh PCCs urged to engage with Federations

14 May 2024

The two new Welsh Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are being urged to engage with the Police Federation at their earliest opportunity so they can find out more about the issues affecting police officers and help address their concerns.

The call comes from Zac Mader and Leigh Godfrey, co-leads of the Police Federation’s Welsh affairs business area.

“All four force areas in Wales went to the polls at the start of this month to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner to serve for the next four years,” says Zac.

“Two of the previous PCCs were re-elected with Dafydd Llywelyn remaining in Dyfed Powys and Andrew Dunbobbin in North Wales, but in Gwent and South Wales we now have new people in post. Jane Mudd became the first woman to be elected as a PCC in Wales when she won the Gwent election and was closely followed by Emma Wools who secured the position in South Wales.

New South Wales PCC, Emma Wools.

“We congratulate all four PCCs on their election success and particularly hope that both Jane and Emma quickly sit down with their respective Federation branches so they can talk about their own plans but also find out about the issues affecting police officers and then prioritise addressing these concerns.

“Policing is in crisis, and we need the PCCs to get behind police officers, offer their support and do what they can to help improve morale.

“Our recent pay and morale survey, which was conducted within Police Federation branches across England and Wales, revealed shockingly low morale across all forces with contributing factors including the way the Government treats police officers.

“Officers have not only seen their real-terms pay fall by 20 per cent in recent years but they also do not feel their pay reflects the risks they face when carrying out their duties.

“We need our PCCs to get behind officers and speak up for them. They must put forward ways of improving morale because we need a well-motivated workforce of police officers and staff if the police service is to provide effective policing for the communities we serve.”

In addition to engaging with local Federation branches, the PCCs are being invited to meet with Zac and Leigh to discuss broader issues affecting the police service and also develop an understanding of the work of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

“We are really keen to engage with the PCCs and work with them,” says Leigh, “It would be really useful to be able to sit down with them all and have an open and frank discussion about the challenges officers are facing.”

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