Chief Superintendent Alun Thomas has been appointed as the new commander for Cardiff.
Mr Thomas spent most of the last decade working in the city where he has previously served as Detective Chief Inspector and Superintendent.
The father-of-two from Porthcawl moves back to Cardiff after a year overseeing the Specialist Operations Department at force headquarters.
He replaces Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby who retired earlier this month.
“I am overjoyed and extremely proud to be working back in Cardiff which has been my second home, having spent the last 6 years of my 26 years of service here,” he said.
“I arrive at the start of what is going to be an extremely challenging time for South Wales Police as a result of financial restrictions across all public sector services.
“However I can assure you that the enthusiasm and diligence of our officers will remain constant throughout this period.
“The good news is that the team continues to deliver outstanding results such as the recent 11.6 per cent reduction in crime or 4,662 fewer victims compared to the previous 12 months.
“This success is due to the professional work of officers, the active involvement of our partners at Safer Capital, and the public who I know want to make this is an even safer place to work, live and socialise.”
In his spare time Mr Thomas is a fitness fanatic cycling the 30 miles either to, or home from, work, and sometimes takes the opportunity to patrol on a force pedal cycle.
He is one of four members of the South Wales Police Triathlon Team – twice winners and current champions of the European Ironman Emergency Services competition.
He takes the helm in Cardiff supported by Superintendent Julian Williams (Crime and Operations) and Superintendent Liane James (Communities and Partnerships).
“Everybody would like a police officer in their street but we need to be masters of being in the right place at the right time,” he added.
“I am confident that I have the best team to achieve this for the people of Cardiff.”
