Disappointed

RECENTLY I read an article where the current Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Ian Johnston, claimed that the Welsh Government’s attitude to PCCs “made life difficult”. He mentioned specifically that the Welsh Government often deal with the Chief Constable rather than with him. I found Mr Johnston’s comments disappointing. The people of Gwent are not really concerned with the communication arrangements between the Welsh Government and the Gwent Police service. 
However they are very interested with the relationship between the Police, as a key public service, and the needs of communities across Gwent.  What’s very important for the police is that they work closely with other key public services such as health, education, transport and housing. If the Gwent Police Service is seen as a leading partner with other public services then I’m absolutely sure that the close working relationship that exists in the South Wales Police service area can be replicated in Gwent. Partnership works in both directions. 
If, as according to Mr Johnston, the relationship between the Office of the Gwent PCC and the Welsh Government is not as good as it could be then perhaps that is as much the fault of Mr Johnston as anyone else.