From Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police:
This is a copy of a letter I have sent out to our partners:
“I am writing in relation to a story that has appeared in many of today’s national newspapers, seemingly suggesting that I have “security concerns” about venturing into supermarkets!
“This wholly inaccurate “story” originates from a telephone interview I gave on my first day in office on January 4th this year to the Police Review magazine.
“During that conversation, and in the many other interviews I gave to regional and national media that day, I spoke of my delight at becoming the new Chief Constable of South Wales, my pride in its performance over recent years, and my determination not only to enhance that performance still further and drive down crime but to provide a service to the people of South Wales that was truly responsive to their needs.
“At no point during the interview did I mention that I would have to stop using a supermarket for “security reasons”. What I did say is that I occasionally like to visit the Tesco store opposite police HQ to get a break from work and that this may prove a little more difficult because people like to talk to me and what would have been a quick visit may take longer.
“To my considerable annoyance, the Police Review then published an article – which many of today’s national newspapers have repeated – which not only ignored the vast majority of the comments I made in the interview, but wholly misreported one minor comment.
“I have requested that the Editor of the Police Review magazine publishes a fulsome correction and apology with immediate effect and I will be contacting other media outlets in due course.
“Meanwhile, I wish to draw to your personal attention to the reality behind the spurious nonsense you may have been greeted by in today’s mainstream media outlets.
“I am honoured to become the Chief Constable for South Wales. It gives me the opportunity to lead a talented and professional organisation in my home area. Crime is at its lowest level for almost 20 years and we are determined to keep it that way. Increasing public confidence, tackling crime and dealing with the very serious challenges facing the police service, in partnership with the community, are my priorities.”
