As Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood delivered a statement in the House of Commons setting out a major programme of sweeping police reforms, described as the most significant overhaul of policing in around 200 years, including plans to modernise forces with expanded live facial recognition and AI, reshape force structures, strengthen response standards and create a new National Police Service to tackle serious and organised crime, Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Ifan Charles issued the following statement:

“Police leaders are united in calling for bold and ambitious reform which delivers a world class service for our communities, officers, staff and volunteers.

“The priority for policing is and will always be victims of crime, and the services and support we provide to victims and the communities we serve. In that sense, it is business as usual for now.

“Crime is changing, technology is evolving, and we need to be set up in the best possible way to tackle crime in the modern world, relentlessly focused on good quality neighbourhood policing alongside national threats.

“I am committed to doing my utmost to ensure any changes to policing are right for the people of Dyfed and Powys, and together with my fellow Chief Constables in Wales, ensuring we deliver the best possible service to Welsh communities.”

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough (Gwent Police)

Responding to the Home Secretary’s proposals in the Commons, he said:

“Crime is changing, technology is evolving, and we need to be set up in the best possible way to fight crime in the modern world, relentlessly focused on good quality neighbourhood policing alongside national threats.

I am committed to ensuring any changes to policing are right for the people of Gwent, and together with my fellow Welsh chief constables, that we will deliver the best possible service to all in Wales.”

He also stated that he is:

“Committed to working with the three other Welsh Chief Constables to deliver the best possible service to all in Wales.”

Jane Mudd (Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner)

On the need for reform, she said:

“I recognise the need to reform policing but it is vital that they deliver for the people and communities of Wales.”

On the distinct policing environment in Wales, she said:

“Policing in Wales operates within a distinct public service landscape, shaped by close partnerships with Welsh Government, local authorities, health services, and our other partners.

The partnership approach we have developed over many years here in Wales has been praised by successive governments, and any review of the policing model and structures must reflect this work. It must also consider the evidence of what works best for the communities we serve.”

On the role of PCCs during reform, she said:

“As locally elected representatives, Welsh PCCs are committed to playing a full and meaningful role in designing future arrangements for Wales, ensuring continuity, stability, and democratic accountability during any transition.”

On the UK Government’s role in proving accountability, she said:

“The UK Government must now demonstrate how the regional and structural change it is proposing would enhance local accountability and deliver the best possible service to our communities.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin

North Wales PCC Andy Dunbobbin raised concerns about how the reforms would affect cross-border policing and local accountability. He noted that North Wales works closely with neighbouring English forces and said it is important that any restructuring protects those operational links rather than disrupts them.

Dunbobbin also highlighted uncertainty around governance in Wales once Police and Crime Commissioners are abolished, saying PCCs still expect to play a role in shaping the new arrangements and ensuring that local democratic oversight is not weakened during the transition.