A SCHEME to bring policing closer to the people of North Wales is being launched in Gwynedd.
The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin is starting new monthly advice surgeries.
It’s a chance for people in the area to air concerns or comments with the police chief over community policing.
The first surgery is in Bala on February 23, then Ruthin on March 23, Pwllheli on April 19, Bangor on May 25 and Barmouth on June 21.
Further locations for the surgeries, being held in rural and urban, towns and village locations, across North Wales will be announced later.
Attendees will have 15 minutes to speak confidentially with the Commissioner.
The PCC will be accompanied by staff from his team and North Wales Police who will help with the meetings and take notes if needed.
One of the PCC’s roles is to listen and respond to the public views on policing. He also set priorities for policing, decides the North Wales Police budget and holds the Chief Constable to account.
Mr Dunbobbin this week announced he will be asking the Police and Crime Panel to approve the policing precept – the amount that residents pay towards the cost of policing through council tax.
The figure equates to 31p per week (£16.29 annually) for the financial year 2023-24, and means a 5.14% council tax increase for a band D property.
The proposal will be made at the Police and Crime Panel meeting on January 30, live streamed on Conwy County Borough Council’s website.
Mr Dunbobbin was “delighted” to announce the start of his monthly advice surgeries.
“I always aim to listen closely to what residents are telling me and in the recent consultation I had with them regarding the policing precept, it was clear that many people want a closer and more personal relationship with policing.
“I would urge local residents to get in touch, to book their place and meet me to discuss their problems, so that we can do our best to address them.
“As a PCC rooted in the community, I am determined to bring visible policing – and the way it works – closer to communities and neighbourhoods right across North Wales.”
The surgery slots are by appointment only and attendees are urged to book, by contacting the PCC’s office with their name, contact information and discuss topic.
Email: [email protected]
Phone to: 01492 805486
Or post to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW
Surgery slots are limited, booked on a first come first served basis. If a session is full, residents will be given alternative session details.
The PCC cannot consider complaints about police officers, member of police staff, police community support officers or special constables, these matters go through existing and established channels.
Details of the OPPC complaints procedures are at https://www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/how-complain
