Gwent Police’s newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner has begun work today – marking the end of Gwent Police Authority.
Ex-police officer Ian Johnston, who was elected last week as an Independent candidate, was sworn in at the last ever meeting of the Gwent Police Authority yesterday.
The ceremony was conducted by the Chair of the Gwent Police Authority Mrs Cilla Davies who is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr Johnston signed the formal declaration accepting the office of Police and Crime Commissioner for the Gwent Police area.
The Commissioner has today attended the re-launch of the Multi-agency Centre in Abergavenny which will support victims of domestic abuse and their families.
The Commissioner will be responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on behalf of the Gwent public. His role includes:
- Meeting the public regularly to listen to their views on policing.
- Producing a police and crime plan setting out local policing priorities.
- Deciding how the Police budget will be spent.
- Appointing Chief Constables and dismissing them if needed.
Mr Johnston said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to have been elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, and I will undertake this important role with energy and passion from day one.
“Gwent has a very fine Police Force and I will do my utmost to ensure that it provides the people of Gwent with an excellent service.
“The Commissioner role is different to that of the outgoing Police Authority and we will all need to adjust to the new landscape. I look forward to working with the chief officer team, and will of course respect the Chief Constable’s operational independence.”
Gwent Police Chief Constable Carmel Napier added: “I have extended my congratulations to Mr Johnston following his election as Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and I wish him well for his first day as the Commissioner.
“The officers and staff of Gwent Police look forward to working closely with him as we get on with the work of cutting crime, protecting and reassuring our communities and meeting the challenges of economic austerity.”