Plaid leader calls for a single Welsh police force

PLAID Cymru leader Adam Price has called for Wales to have a single Welsh police force, replacing the current four forces.

He says this would help regain trust and foster a better culture in Welsh policing following allegations of racism, misogyny, and homophobia within Gwent Police.

Replacing the existing four police forces with a one-Wales force approach could lead to “positive change in outcomes for victims and foster a new policing culture based on respect and inclusivity.”

A similar restructure in Scotland, where all police forces were merged into one in 2013, led to positive change after initial challenges, he said.

The idea has been suggested before, but is opposed by some amid fears of making policing more distant and less accountable to communities.

However, earlier this year Dr Richard Lewis, the chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, told BBC Wales that a new Heddlu Cymru service should be in place by 2030.

Plaid Cymru Leader Mr Price said:“The allegations levelled at some officers within the Gwent Police force are deeply concerning.

“Police officers should always be beyond reproach and allegations such as these undermine the hard work of emergency services who work day and night to keep our communities safe.

“Wales can learn lessons from the success of Police Scotland’s merger in 2013 in order to ensure that resources are distributed fairly and wisely between the regions, and that relations with forces in England remain strong to tackle cross-border crime.

“A single force would allow a more efficient service in terms of HR, ICT, procurement and all the other infrastructure which enables the police to do their jobs from day to day.

“Radical reform would present an opportunity to restore the trust which has been eroded due to shameful incidents such as the recent case of Gwent Police.

“It could lead to positive change in outcomes for victims and foster a new policing culture based on respect and inclusivity.

“The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales chaired by Sir Michael Barber has already recommended merging the backoffice functions of all forces.

“Now is the time to take bold steps and ensure that the police are in the strongest possible position to keep our communities safe.”

Policing in Wales is not a devolved matter and the Westminster government has rejected calls for it to be passed to Cardiff.

In Scotland, policing is devolved and the country’s previous 10 forces were merged into a single service in 2013.