A POLICE boss has examined how officers across North Wales investigate crime and maximise visibility in the community.

One of the key roles of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales is holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the local force against the priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan. 

This plan is put together in consultation with local residents and, in North Wales, PCC Andy Dunbobbin’s priorities are delivering safer neighbourhoods, a fair and effective criminal justice system, and supporting victims and communities.

The PCC scrutinises the work of North Wales Police through a wide variety of ways, including a quarterly Strategic Executive Board. 

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At this meeting, the PCC and his team meet with the chief officers to review overall force performance, including against the Police and Crime Plan priorities. 

At the most recent meeting, which took place on February 15, the PCC reviewed the force performance in respect of visibility, engagement, and burglary.

Among the areas examined were how North Wales Police listens to communities and their concerns, how neighbourhood policing teams update communities on issues that have been raised, arrangements for regular visits to areas to increase visibility and speak to people and how North Wales Police can be more accessible to communities using platforms like the force website and community alert.

Mr Dunbobbin also had a detailed briefing on how North Wales Police investigates burglary, how offences are investigated and the targeting of offenders and the use of both conventional and covert police work.

He said: “I have been clear in my manifesto and in my Police and Crime Plan that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of this plan and the foundation upon which all other priorities are to be delivered. 

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"At the most recent board I examined a wide range of performance data and also wanted to concentrate on the areas of visibility and engagement, and burglary. 

"The need for the public to see a visible presence and be able to speak to officers and staff is hugely reassuring when delivered effectively.

“At the Board I was reassured that the chief has a focus on all of these important areas, and I will continue to scrutinise how North Wales Police performs on these issues.”