Top cop Julian Williams answers concerns about policing levels in Glynneath
THE area's top cop has given personal assurances to the people of Glynneath following concerns the town was not being adequately policed.
Chief Superintendent Julian Williams said not only did the area have its own dedicated officers, but there were many more that could be called on if there were any incidents.
Glynneath town councillors had voiced fears there too few officers on the ground. Mr Williams attended their January meeting to introduce himself and to allay any fears.
Mr Williams outlined the policing hierarchy, with Chief Inspector Andy Kingdom in charge of Neath Port Talbot and Inspector Huw Griffiths in charge of the Neath sector.
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Sergeant Andy Abraham was in charge of the Swansea, Neath and Dulais Valleys, while Glynneath was covered by PC Martin Jenkins and PCSO Barrie Jones.
However, Mr Williams pointed out South Wales Police was a force of nearly 3,000 officers with a large amount of support staff. "We have the whole strength of them behind us," he said.
Mr Williams assured councillors there were firearms, traffic and dog teams, among others, that could travel to the Glynneath area if there was an incident.
Asked if he thought there was an adequate number of frontline police, he answered: "What is frontline?
"Some of the issues we face now were not issues we faced before. Public protection has expanded rapidly. Domestic violence, vulnerable adults, child abuse... the way we want to deal with the public.
"We don't have a police officer on every street corner. That's unrealistic. The level of resources I've got doesn't stretch from here to the Severn bridge.
"But we have good quality officers and staff in these areas. When we need to call on the resources of South Wales Police, we do.
Mr Williams said it wasn't just about crime but feeling safe.
"I'm passionate about getting it right and I want to have my staff out there, finding out what the problems are," he added.
2 Comments
by Taweformation
Thursday, January 24 2013, 2:02PM
“Sorry1 but it wasnt that long ago that Inspector Jeff Handley was promising the earth!! Things will only change when they stop moving people around and they actually take ownership of the problem and set out a long term plan. not just rock up at meetings to look and sound good like Insp Handley loves to do. I mean at one point i thought he may have needed and equity card!!! You are very right about the levels of fire cover in Glyneath, However all these agencies are busy trying to look good and promise changes but as yet none are able to deliver.”
by MabCwmtawe
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:27AM
“The Police are doing a fine job but it's good to talk to them of any concerns you have. If I lived in Glyn Neath (or anywhere locally these days) I'd be seriously more worried about getting an adequate Fire Brigade cover. If you internet GOOGLE Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and enter their web site - CLICK on Fire Authority Members and look to see which of your local County Councillors are on this Committee. Then phone them up - they get very generous allowances to attend meetings to represent you - and demand they speak up for you and not just rubber stamp everything put under their noses at the Brigade HQ meetings at Carmarthen”