As we approach the end of the year, it is hard to believe that I am writing another Christmas message while we are still in the grip of COVID-19. It has been another challenging year for many of us with the ongoing pandemic.
2021 has seen a focus on many vital services and policing matters, including; improving services for victims of crime; a collaborative and All-Wales approach to tackling rural crime; the continued provision of support to vulnerable members of our communities; the ongoing development of an environmentally friendly organisation; and funding schemes for children and young people and community projects.
I was pleased to have been able to visit our communities towards the end of 2021, as restrictions allowed, to see for myself how funding provided by my office is making a difference out in our communities. I hope I will be able to continue face-to-face engagement into 2022.
I published my 2021-2025 Police and Crime Plan earlier this month, developed in consultation with partners and the public. Through this Plan, I have set the strategic direction and laid out priorities. Critically, this is a dynamic plan, which will evolve and adapt to the challenges over the coming years, in order to ensure that policing and criminal justice services remain relevant and cognisant of the context in which they operate.
I am also pleased to welcome Dr. Richard Lewis back to the Force as the new Chief Constable. I look forward to working with Dr Lewis and the senior officers to ensure the Force delivers on the priorities set out within my Plan, and that we have a policing service which meets the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.
2022 will undoubtedly bring its challenges for all of us, but I am fully confident that together, we will overcome these with resilience, passion and enthusiasm.
May I wish you all a peaceful, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year.
Dafydd Llywelyn
Police and Crime Commissioner