I was delighted to attend the passing out parade for 15 new Gwent Police recruits at the end of September.
Passing out parades are an incredibly important day in a new officer’s career and I am always honoured to be able to join the recruits, and their proud family and friends, for this very special day.
Eight of the new officers will be based in stations across Caerphilly County Borough. They will play an important part in keeping residents safe and I would like to wish them all the best for their future careers.
The last few months have seen a busy period of recruitment for Gwent Police and some significant new appointments to the chief officer team.
In August I appointed Pam Kelly as the new Chief Constable for Gwent Police. Pam was previously serving as Deputy Chief Constable and her knowledge, experience and commitment to the people of Gwent was demonstrated strongly in the recruitment process.
She will be supported by new Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who was appointed in September. I am confident that she is the right person to assist the Chief Constable to deliver an effective and efficient police service.
These two strong women set a fantastic example to others, both inside and outside of Gwent Police.
It is essential that we inspire the next generations of police officers and staff from an early age, and that is why I am delighted that eight new schools in Caerphilly have joined the Heddlu Bach – Mini Police – scheme.
The Heddlu Bach scheme is for children aged nine to 11 and is a fun, interactive way for children to learn new skills, build confidence and give something back to their communities. The children are all given their own police branded uniforms and work with their local neighbourhood policing team on projects, building trust and understanding.
I am delighted to welcome the following primary schools onto the scheme: Bryn Awell, Idris Davies, Rhiw Syr Dafydd, Rudry, St Gwladys, Trinant, Tynewydd, and White Rose.
Finally I would like to congratulate Michaela Rogers, manager of the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Service, who has been shortlisted for Criminal Justice Champion as part of the national Howard League Community Awards.
Michaela was nominated for the award by my office and has proven herself to be an innovative, strong and caring leader. She is continually looking at ways to improve services, prevent children offending, improve their life chances and keep communities safe.
Under her management the Youth Offending Service in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly has gone from strength to strength and I would like to wish her the very best for these awards.
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