Pembrokeshire Police under the spotlight

Pembrokeshire was put under the spotlight in the latest Dyfed Powys Police force performance meeting.

The meetings, which have been introduced by Chief Constable Ian Arundale, are attended by senior officers and heads of departments and examines and analyses performance.

Pembrokeshire division has reduced crime for three years in the row and increased the detection rate.

Between April and December 2008 burglary of homes was reduced by 12 per cent and detections for this offence were up by 17 per cent.

There have been 177 less victims of violent crime from April to December with 67 per cent of offences being detected.

Vehicle crime and domestic abuse have also both been reduced and highlighted as strength areas for the division.

The division was also praised for reducing the number of road traffic collision casualties with 15 less people being killed or serious injured on Pembrokeshire roads between November 2007 and November 2008.

PC Justin Williams, who has been a road policing officer for 16 years, was given a force performance award for his work in denying criminals use of the roads and liaising with bereaved families.

PC Williams has already received two Chief Constable Commendations and a Certificate of Merit from the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and is proactive to an exceptional standard.

Inspector Andy Phillips said: "Only last week he stop checked and identified a stolen BMW that had been subject of a burglary in Herefordshire in February 2008.

"This vehicle was valued at £22,000 and was on its way to Ireland.

"Not only does he perform well in this manner, he also displays a high level of professionalism when dealing with Fatal Road Traffic Collisions.

"We have received several letters of appreciation from the families and loved ones of those tragically killed who have been grateful at the level of service provided to them by PC Williams."

Comments from family members from include: 'PC Williams is a credit to his uniform and the Dyfed-Powys Police Force, his kindness, compassion and professionalism is unparalleled. He made a horrific year so much more bearable."

A second family said 'Justin displayed a real concern over the tragedy and often worked off duty on the case by giving us advice and support together with compassion. Justin is an exceptional police officer and a credit to the service'.

Divisional Commander Dean Richards said: "The force performance meeting focused upon a number of areas relating to crime reduction and delivering services across the County. It was pleasing to have recognition of the good work that is going on in Pembrokeshire and the award to PC Williams epitomised this."