At this month’s full council meeting, councillors were given the chance to question Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police, Alun Michael (Lab), and the Assistant Chief Constable, Jenny Gilmer.
“No easy answers” as ambulance demand has a knock-on impact on the police
Cllr. Pam Davies (Lab, Bryntirion, Laleston & Merthyr Mawr) asked about the police taking people to hospital when they would otherwise go by ambulance. She was sure it “depletes the police a great deal”, particularly when the calls may involve people passed out because of drinking or drugs.
Alun Michael told councillors that the issue was discussed amongst the Welsh Police & Crime Commissioners that same morning. Representations have been made to the Welsh Government. At the heart of the problem is the high demand for the NHS and ambulances at the moment and there are no easy answers.
Jenny Gilmer made no bones about it that “yes, there’s significant pressure”. Police officers are often put in a position where they have no choice but to step in, particularly if there’s no idea when an ambulance might arrive.
“Only one neighbourhood PC” covers the north and west of Bridgend county at any one time
Cllr. Ross Penhale-Thomas (Ind, Maesteg West) was reliably informed that only one neighbourhood officer (full constable) covers the north and west of Bridgend county at any given time. The number of full-time officers in neighbourhood policing teams has dwindled in recent years but they’re key to supporting PCSOs. What plans are there to reverse this downward trend?
Secondly, he asked why it was considered a good use of police resources to “infiltrate” activist groups like Black Lives Matter?
While there was no denial that there was only one PC, neighbourhood policing “was about more than numbers”. Councillors were told by the Assistant Chief Constable that there were several vacancies too. Recruitment to South Wales Police is strong, but in the first two years, that’s not reflected on the ground due to training. The full impact of additional recruitment may not come through until 2022-23.
Alun Michael wouldn’t comment in any detail on the second question as it’s currently under scrutiny, but he said South Wales Police was “ahead of the game” in understanding the experiences of people of colour and their concerns about racism and diversity in the police.
Cllr. Charles Smith (Lab, Llangewydd & Brynhyfryd) praised the work of PCSOs in his ward but was concerned about turnover. He suggested a lack of career progression. Communities subsequently lose valuable skills amongst those PCSOs when they move on.
Alun Michael said that there was “massive resistance” to having a rank hierarchy amongst PCSOs and that moving PCSOs around between areas – as has happened previously – was a big mistake. However, he knows of PCSOs who’ve been in the job for 15 years or more because they love it.
Round-up: Domestic violence, parking problems & replacement Porthcawl police station
Cllr. Jane Gebbie (Lab, Pyle) asked about the UK pay freeze and the narrative around domestic violence that prioritised educating perpetrators than supporting women.
Alun Michael described the pay freeze as “massively unfair”, but ultimately the UK Government wouldn’t provide the money to pay for it if pay did increase. He defended the education of domestic abusers as it focused on seriously violent individuals and has been successful when piloted.
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Propel, Ynysawdre) noted the frustration amongst constituents about parking infringements on double lines and boxes. PCSOs have told him that it’s a council responsibility and he wanted clarity.
While not wanting to pass the buck, Alun Michael said parking was a council responsibility – though police officers can step in where parking is considered to be dangerous.
Cllr. Julia Williams (Ind, Hendre) asked what some of you may be wondering, “What’s the point of your role?”
Alun Michael told councillors that he decided to stand when the office was established by the Conservatives and nobody suitable came forward. He added that his role does have a lot of power to analyse problems and talk with governments at all levels to fix them.
Finally, Cllr. Sean Aspey (Ind, Porthcawl West Central) noted that when someone is arrested in Porthcawl, the response often has to come from Bridgend. Citing a new “all under one roof” emergency and community service centre in Llantwit Major, could something similar be developed in Porthcawl as the fire station, ambulance station and alike were outdated?
The Commissioner said there was a need to look for a replacement police station or police presence in Porthcawl – though it wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement. Working with other agencies and emergency services was something to consider.
