North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin spoke of his delight after taking on a new national role.

At a special meeting of Policing in Wales on the afternoon of June 8,  Mr Dunbobbin was named Chair of the forum, taking over from Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert, for a one-year term.

Policing in Wales is the body that brings together the Police and Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables, Chief Executives and other leaders of the four Welsh police forces to discuss the key issues affecting policing across the country. 

As Chair, Mr Dunbobbin will also have regular meetings with the Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS and Welsh Government officials.

Attendees at the event, which took place at The Kinmel, Abergele, included Police and Crime Commissioners, senior police officers and other delegates from the different force areas. 

The meeting looked at the current position and future direction of policing in Wales. 

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Among items discussed were an update on the Anti-Racism Action Plan, an update on Violence Against Women and Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, and the issue of trust and confidence in policing more widely. 

This follows the Baroness Casey Report following the crimes of Wayne Couzens and other incidents that have negatively affected confidence in policing as a whole. 

Another topic of discussion was the upcoming Implementation of the default 20mph speed limit, which comes into force in Wales in September this year.

Andy Dunbobbin, said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chair of Policing in Wales at a pivotal time for Commissioners and Forces across the country. 

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"As Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, my priorities are delivering safer neighbourhoods, supporting victims and communities, and a fair and effective criminal justice system. 

"While each Commissioner and Force area will have their own priorities and policing needs, I believe these are ideals we can all support. 

"I am looking forward to working with my colleagues throughout Wales to ensure the people of the country have confidence in policing, that we are listening to their concerns and serving them to the best of our ability.”