AS THE Gwent Police Authority held its final meeting yesterday, the newly elected Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner was formally sworn in to his new role.
Ian Johnston, a former chief superintendent elected as Gwent’s PCC in last week’s election, described it as a “bittersweet day” and thanked past and present members of the authority for their work.
He said the authority had left a fantastic legacy and told members: “We are indebted to you, you’ve done a fantastic job, thank you very much.”
Mr Johnston said this was now the start of a new beginning.
He said: “This is going to be a huge challenge. It’s a new role and it will take some time for all of us to get used to it.
“I have continued to say for the last five months that I want to be the voice of all of the people of Gwent. That includes the police officers and staff.”
Mr Johnston said it had sometimes “bordered on the ridiculous and farcical” that candidates could not engage with serving police officers and police staff in protected positions.
He said that now his door will be open to all members of the Gwent community and said he would also like to speak to community councils, town councils and community groups.
Mr Johnston said his first job involved briefings with Gwent Police on the budget and policing panel and he wants clarification on the precept level for Gwent Police.
He said: “Within making the £12 million in savings we’ve got to make between now and 2015, if there are opportunities for limited recruitment then we’ll be taking them but now is not the time to be making promises.”
Mr Johnston said he will also be looking at issues raised by the public during his campaign, including a lack of visible patrol officers, confusion around the use of community support officers, comments concerning police uniform and concerns about PACT meetings not working.
Gwent Police Authority chairwoman Cilla Davies said her 12 years’ service had been one of the happiest and enjoyable periods of her life which had been a privilege and an honour to be involved with.
She told the new commissioner: “You are inheriting a high-performing force of very special people.”
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