Police chief constable reflects on first 12 months in job

Chief constable Pam Kelly has marked one year in the top job at Gwent Police.

CC Kelly was appointed on August 12, 2019, having served as interim chief constable following the retirement of her predecessor Julian Williams in June 2019.

CC Kelly first joined Gwent Police in 2017, when she was appointed deputy chief constable.

She described her first year in charge of the force as “challenging” but also “an enormous privilege”.

The chief constable said: “The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for all our communities. While these remain uncertain times, from local floods to the ongoing health crisis, we’ve done all that we can as a police service to protect and reassure our citizens.

“Working with our partners, we’ve stepped up to provide the best possible service for Gwent.

“Since taking up my role I have witnessed officers and staff regularly go above and beyond the call of duty.

“There is an immense pride within the communities of Gwent, and this is a running theme across the organisation. 

“We’re committed to doing all we can to protect the vulnerable; reassure victims; embody professionalism and solving crimes.

“We know that we have areas of improvement. But through new senior leadership structure and an enhanced commitment to do our best for victims, Gwent Police will continue to thrive and do the best for all our communities.

“Looking to our future there are a lot of things to be excited about. This year we’ll see an additional 26 officers joining the force owing the operational uplift which is much needed to bolster our existing resources. We’ll also be updating our approach to vulnerability and victims to ensure that we’re providing timely and appropriate support to those in need.

“The communities of Gwent will also see a new drive to improving transparency and building public confidence. But this has been an enormous privilege for me to lead Gwent Police over these past 12 months as chief constable; I am immensely proud.”

Gwent’s police and crime commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “CC Kelly’s first year has been marked by several major events: from the flooding Gwent experienced in early 2020, the outbreak of Covid-19 and many months of lockdown, and the protests and community concern following the death of George Floyd in America.

“All of these issues have required great leadership. I am continually impressed with the way CC Kelly has responded to the demands of the last year and her commitment to ensuring the best possible service for the people of Gwent has been evident throughout.

“She is driving a culture change within Gwent Police and is ably served by a strong new chief officer team. Together they are focusing on protecting and reassuring our communities.

“I would like to thank CC Kelly for all her work over the last year and I am looking forward to working with her for many years to come.”