As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to work with partners to ensure that residents in Gwent are able to live their lives free from crime and harm.
This is particularly important for the most vulnerable people in society.
I was pleased to sit alongside South Wales Police Chief Constable, Matt Jukes, on the Welsh Government’s Children, Young People and Education Committee to discuss a number of issues affecting young people, including the proposed ‘Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill’.
I believe that in this day and age, children in Wales should be given the same protection from physical punishment as adults.
Legislation like this has already been created in a number of other countries across the world, giving millions of children equal protection in law.
What we must ensure, however, is that the law does not inadvertently criminalise parents. Police forces across Wales must work with the Welsh Government to ensure that the appropriate education and guidance is provided, so that criminal action is only taken when clearly necessary.
One of my other key roles as Commissioner is to hold Gwent Police to account. There are many ways in which I do this, but one very important way is through my volunteer custody visitor and animal welfare schemes.
I had the pleasure of joining my animal welfare volunteers at the National Police Dog Trials last weekend where they could be seen cheering (very loudly) our Gwent competitors.
We were extremely proud to host the 59th National Police Dog Trials, the first time since 1996.
The trials proved a wonderful family event with thousands turning out to see the dogs compete.
Congratulations to Avon and Somerset Police Dog Section’s PC Dalrymple and PD Ash who came out as the overall winners.
I’d also like to offer my thanks and congratulations to the Gwent Police Dog Section for organising and hosting this year’s event.
Police dogs are invaluable members of the policing family and it was wonderful to see their skills showcased for all to see.
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