Police Leaders Meet in Gwent

Between Wednesday April 29th and Thursday April 30th, the four Police and Crime Commissioners' in Wales, Chief Constables and their representatives met at the Hilton Hotel in Newport for the All Wales Policing Group Conference. The group meet around the country every quarter and this month's conference was hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston.

The range of topics in the spotlight over the two days included:

• Police custody healthcare and how to ensure that vulnerable people suffering a mental health crisis receive appropriate care and don't end up in police custody;
• enhancing collaborative opportunities between Police Forces;
• the commissioning of services for all victims of crime.

Representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and the Positive Futures organisation also highlighted how the Positive Futures project has evolved since the Commissioner provided funding to expand it throughout Gwent. The project uses sports and physical activity as a tool to help young people to turn their backs on a life of crime and anti-social behaviour. The project has been endorsed by Sport Wales and all five local authorities in Gwent have signed up to roll it out.

Speaking after the conference, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, said:

"Collaboration is vital and a lot can be achieved by working effectively with the other Forces and Commissioners on certain issues. It's important that we support each other in Wales, discuss these issues and share best practice to find a common solution to some of the challenges we face."