The people of North Wales are being given the chance to shape the police force of the future.
North Wales Police Authority, working with the Force, have launched a public consultation exercise to find out how people feel about the proposals to reshape the way services are provided in line with the necessary cost savings.
A briefing document setting out the challenges faced and the issues that need to be resolved is available to download at www.nwalespa.org
Alun Lewis, Chair of the Police Authority, said: “The briefing paper aims to stimulate dialogue between ourselves and our communities. Policing and the safety of North Wales is our reason for being and we want to reassure people that we will do everything possible to minimise the impact of these financial cuts on the services we deliver. But the reality of the situation means that there will be some significant chances in the near future.”
Chief Constable Mark Polin said: “The Government’s recent Comprehensive Spending Review has significant implications for policing in North Wales. The full impact of changes in funding will not be known until December, but our plans for change are already well developed.
“Our intention is to be open and honest with the communities we serve. We have some tough decisions to make and constructive feedback from local people will be invaluable to us in making the right decisions. We are embarking on a period of major change which will lead to a North Wales Police with fewer people in it and with major differences to the way we provide services, but it will remain an organisation that continues to protect the public and provide a service which the public can be confident in.”
The Government is expected to announce funding allocations on December 8 and the Police Authority will be finalising the budget for policing in North Wales on February 11.
Mr Lewis said: “The closing date for views to be in is January 27, but we would prefer earlier responses as this will enable us to incorporate views more fully into the planning process.”
Hard copies of the briefing paper can also be obtained by calling the Police Authority on 01492 805486 or writing to Future of Policing Consultation, Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8AW.
