Suspension of A19 - Commissioner Comments

The Commissioner commented:

"Whilst I fully appreciate the financial challenges facing the Police service I have always been of the opinion that the use of A19 is a blunt tool and an inappropriate way of treating people who have given 30 years of public service.

"Whilst A19 was in operation Gwent Police lost a number of highly skilled and experienced officers, and I fully support the Chief Constable's decision to suspend its use.

"I have been working closely with the Chief Constable and was delighted to announce at the end of January that funding is being made available to recruit 24 new Police Constables in Gwent.

"Looking forward these new officers will help further reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Gwent".