More about this area
The force says...
South Wales Police is the largest force in Wales, providing a policing service to 1.3 million people or 42% of the country’s population. South Wales is a diverse region, boasting urban, rural and coastal areas and featuring the two largest cities in Wales – Swansea and the capital city, Cardiff, which attracts over 18 million visitors per year and is home to 100,000 students.
The force currently manages around 39% of the total crime in Wales, policing 60 of the top 100 most deprived communities in Wales. The force is the second most effective force in England and Wales in terms of identifying suspects and the third most effective in taking action against suspects.
In 2021/22, the force dealt with 239,135 emergency calls, 396,884 non-emergency calls, recorded 330,495 occurrences and carried out 31,132 arrests. Policing in South Wales is delivered by 3,461 officers, 2,336 staff, 451 police community support officers and 200 special constables, with a revenue budget of £346 million.
The force is committed to a neighbourhood policing model, and with the assistance of Welsh Government has maintained the resourcing levels within the local policing teams. The force is working alongside partners to ensure vulnerable people get the right service at the first opportunity, to support their wellbeing and ensure their safeguarding. Neighbourhood policing teams work with their communities to understand local problems and develop sustainable joint solutions.
South Wales Police is the strategic force in Wales delivering not only a local service but also providing support for major national events outside the force area. The force has an extensive events profile and has developed an international reputation for delivery of successful large-scale sporting and music events. Given the presence of the Welsh Government and the principality’s strong links to the royal family, the force polices visits from royalty and foreign dignitaries every year. Despite the increased demand the force does not receive capital city status funding.
Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by South Wales Police. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.