More about this area

The force says...

Spanning 4,188 square miles, Dyfed-Powys is the largest force area in England and Wales. With 13,842 miles of roads, 2 large ports, 350 miles of coastline and vast areas of countryside, the geography presents significant challenges.

The resident population of 515,870 is spread across extensive rural areas, holiday and market towns and more heavily populated areas.

The draw of tourism presents unique demands with large numbers of tourists visiting key towns such as Tenby and Brecon. This presents its own implications for crime, anti-social behaviour, traffic and roads policing.

The Welsh language is spoken by 32 percent of residents compared with the national average of 19 percent.

Ensuring our workforce is visible to improve victim satisfaction, protect the vulnerable, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice is challenging given the vast area policed.

The force has invested significantly in digital policing, providing frontline officers and PCSOs with access to force systems through mobile data terminals and body worn video cameras, as well as introducing vehicle-based telematics to enhance incident response.

In April 2010 the force had 1,211 police officers and the number has remained relatively stable. In this period police staff numbers have fallen from 713 to 649. Our workforce includes 148 PCSOs and 98 special constables.

Since the 2010 comprehensive spending review, central grant funding has reduced by 22 percent or £14.16million; the force has been required to make savings of £24.7million.

Against this backdrop demands continue to grow and become increasingly complex. The force has experienced an increase in recorded crime of 29 percent since 2014. Incidents involving mental ill-health and more complex inquiries into child sexual exploitation and cybercrime are increasing, driving continual reviews of resourcing.

The force experienced significant changes to its chief officer team during 2016-17, but now has stable executive leadership and clear strategic direction, evidenced through improved assessments from external regulators.

Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Dyfed-Powys Police. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.