Latest news with #AndyDunbobbin
North Wales Chronicle
10 hours ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales Police's performance on hate crime scrutinised
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for North Wales scrutinised the force's performance at the strategic executive board. The board meeting was chaired by police and crime commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin. Chief constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, provided an update on the force's overall performance. This included aspects such as finance and resourcing, collaboration, and the strategic policing requirement. The main focus of the meeting was a detailed examination of the force's performance relating to hate crime and EDI. The commissioner heard updates on public satisfaction data relating to hate crime, including the ease of contact, actions taken by the police, follow-up, and treatment. Other areas scrutinised included community tensions and prevention measures, the supporting role of the independent advisory group, and progress towards achieving the North Wales Police Joint Strategic Equality Plan 2023-2027 objectives. The commissioner also scrutinised the culture within North Wales Police. The force's commitment to improving workplace culture, the ongoing work of the culture board, and the efforts of the culture and inclusion task group were discussed. Mr Dunbobbin said: "As I outlined in my police and crime plan, I will continue to use the strategic executive board to provide me with the opportunity to scrutinise how the chief constable is performing in key areas." He added: "A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim's personal characteristics (or perceived personal characteristics) such as disability, race, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. "I have always been clear that regardless of the reason, it is completely unacceptable. "I wanted to ask the chief constable what work has been done in this area and to be reassured that previous good work has continued. "I was pleased that work such as the Joint Strategic Equality Plan 2023-2027 is progressing. "I was reassured that the chief constable, continues to drive forward these and many other workstreams that are addressing the issues raised, particularly around marginalised communities and striving to having a truly representative workforce. "My team and I will continue the analysis and these important areas to check progress continues." He provided reassurance to the public that he will continue to scrutinise the force's performance and work closely with the chief constable to support ongoing work.
Rhyl Journal
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales Police's performance on hate crime scrutinised
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for North Wales scrutinised the force's performance at the strategic executive board. The board meeting was chaired by police and crime commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin. Chief constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, provided an update on the force's overall performance. This included aspects such as finance and resourcing, collaboration, and the strategic policing requirement. The main focus of the meeting was a detailed examination of the force's performance relating to hate crime and EDI. The commissioner heard updates on public satisfaction data relating to hate crime, including the ease of contact, actions taken by the police, follow-up, and treatment. Other areas scrutinised included community tensions and prevention measures, the supporting role of the independent advisory group, and progress towards achieving the North Wales Police Joint Strategic Equality Plan 2023-2027 objectives. The commissioner also scrutinised the culture within North Wales Police. The force's commitment to improving workplace culture, the ongoing work of the culture board, and the efforts of the culture and inclusion task group were discussed. Mr Dunbobbin said: "As I outlined in my police and crime plan, I will continue to use the strategic executive board to provide me with the opportunity to scrutinise how the chief constable is performing in key areas." He added: "A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim's personal characteristics (or perceived personal characteristics) such as disability, race, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. "I have always been clear that regardless of the reason, it is completely unacceptable. "I wanted to ask the chief constable what work has been done in this area and to be reassured that previous good work has continued. "I was pleased that work such as the Joint Strategic Equality Plan 2023-2027 is progressing. "I was reassured that the chief constable, continues to drive forward these and many other workstreams that are addressing the issues raised, particularly around marginalised communities and striving to having a truly representative workforce. "My team and I will continue the analysis and these important areas to check progress continues." He provided reassurance to the public that he will continue to scrutinise the force's performance and work closely with the chief constable to support ongoing work.
Cambrian News
08-06-2025
- Cambrian News
Gwynedd stalking victim honoured for advocacy work at North Wales awards
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, said: 'These awards shine a light on the people and organisations who consistently go above and beyond. Whether through supporting victims, guiding those at risk, or simply showing up when it matters most, their efforts strengthen our communities. I'm grateful for their commitment and care, especially as we celebrate national Volunteers Week across the UK. They truly make North Wales a better, safer place for all.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
REVEALED: How much North Wales Police spends on drones
A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request published on its website asked: "For each year between 2020 and 2024, how many drones has your police force operated?" and "How much money has been invested in your police forces drone program, for each year between 2020 and 2024?" That revealed that between 2020-2022, the force had four drones in their ranks, which cost £405,768 (Only started towards end of financial year 2020/21, so 2020/21 and 2021/22 costs included). In 2022/23, that moved up to seven drones at a cost of £398,784. In 2023/24, that figure was 11 drones at a cost of £488,229. And this year, the total now stands at 15 drones used by the force, at a cost of £581,725. The drones are used in a number of cases, for example, to track down missing people or to catch criminals red handed. The FOI further reveals that North Wales Police operates a dedicated team of drone operators and additional pilots who have other primary roles. It also adds that training a drone pilot costs around £1,000 with a course taking place over 13 days. The Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, hailed the use of drones as an 'indispensable part of policing'. He added that there are plans in place to continue investing in such technology to deal with 'challenges' face within policing. READ MORE Mr Dunbobbin said: "In recent years, the use of drones has become an indispensable part of policing and fighting crime. "For example, they have proved effective in cases of missing persons, where drones are able to scan landscapes and reach remote locations faster and more effectively than traditional means. "Prior to becoming Police and Crime Commissioner, I had a professional background in IT and the digital sphere and so I recognise how important it is to keep pace with changes in technology. "My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales pledges to continue to invest in technology and digital skills to deal with the challenges we face in policing, both now and into the future. "I fully support North Wales Police and their drone unit in making the most of drones and other developing technologies for the benefit of the public and in fighting crime.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Public invited to share views on policing with PCC
A public surgery will be held with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin at Wrexham Library on Rhosddu Road on July 3, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The event is designed to bring policing closer to the public and give people the chance to raise concerns or comments directly with the commissioner and police representatives. Mr Dunbobbin said: "I'm pleased to be engaging directly with the residents of Wrexham and surrounding areas on issues that matter to them, alongside North Wales Police. "My public surgeries are a chance for the community to voice their concerns and share their ideas. "It's all about bringing policing closer to the people we serve. "I'm looking forward to meeting with residents, hearing their perspectives, and working together to ensure North Wales remains a safe, vibrant and secure place to live. "I encourage anyone who wants to, to book a place and to have their voice heard." Each attendee will be given a 20-minute private meeting with the commissioner, who will be joined by staff from his office and North Wales Police. The team will offer advice or direct residents to other agencies where appropriate. No other members of the public will be present during the meetings to ensure confidentiality. The surgery follows the launch of Mr Dunbobbin's second Police and Crime Plan in January 2025, which set out priorities including visible neighbourhood policing, support for victims and communities, and a fair and effective criminal justice system. The commissioner has four main duties: setting policing priorities, deciding the police budget, representing public views, and holding the Chief Constable to account. Surgeries are by appointment only to ensure matters raised relate to policing, crime, or community safety, and to give the commissioner time to prepare. While the commissioner cannot intervene in operational police matters, he welcomes public feedback on how North Wales is policed. Complaints about individual police officers or staff cannot be addressed during the surgery and must go through formal complaints channels. READ MORE: Lucky Flintshire street named People's Postcode Lottery winner TODAY To book a 20-minute slot, residents should contact the commissioner's office with their name, contact details, and a brief summary of the issue they wish to discuss. Bookings can be made by emailing opcc@ calling 01492 805486, or writing to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters, Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW. Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If all appointments are filled, alternative session details will be provided.
