Re-elected Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn begun his new term in office last month with a series of key meetings aimed at shaping his strategic vision for the region's policing priorities over the next four years.

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account, and are responsible for the totality of policing.

PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their police force area.

The Dyfed-Powys force area covers the counties of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys.

The Commissioner's first official day was May 9, and saw key discussions taking place, beginning with a meeting with the Chief Constable to gain an update from Dyfed-Powys Police on operational matters, and also to outline his vision and priorities for the new term in Office.

In addition, the Commissioner met with staff from his Office for discussions on the development of a new Police and Crime Plan for Dyfed-Powys for 2025-2029.

The Police and Crime Plan will be the strategic blueprint that will represent the Commissioner's vision and priorities, further reinforcing his dedication to delivering effective and efficient policing services tailored to the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.

The Commissioner’s Office will soon launch a public consultation on the new Police and Crime Plan, whereby the public will have an opportunity to have their say on policing and crime matters in their area.

Online questionnaires and focus groups will form part of the consultation, to ensure that the Office provides plenty of opportunities for communities to have their say.

Reflecting on his ambitions for the upcoming term, Mr Llywelyn expressed that his focus will be on improving public confidence and trust in policing.

“I am honoured to be re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for my third successive term,” he remarked.

“As I start this new term in Office, I am committed to build on the achievements to date and address the challenges that lie ahead.

“My vision is clear: to develop safer communities for all through proactive crime prevention and ensuring a justice system that is both fair and efficient.

“I will work in collaboration with the Force and other criminal agency partners to ensure transparency and accountability, to ensure that we can we work collectively to improve public trust and confidence in policing.

“I am proud of what I have achieved since 2016, but there is still so much to do.

“I am an approachable individual and I believe in listening to all members of the community in order to shape a successful police force.

“Your safety will continue to be my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police area remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England.”

He said, since 2016, force area resources have been improved, and stated that he will “continue to put the victim at the heart of the service and develop a truly victim-led service”.

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis said: “Many congratulations to Dafydd Llywelyn for this afternoon’s result.

“His re-election as Police and Crime Commissioner for Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police for a third term means that we can look forward to continuing our work in service of the public, together.

“I also wish to extend my thanks to the other candidates for their positive engagement with the force during the last few months.”

This was the fourth time Police and Crime Commissioner elections have been held, with the first election taking place in 2012.

Previous PCC elections in England and Wales have used the supplementary vote system, which is different to a normal election.

Supplementary voting is when voters mark on the ballot paper their first choice and can – if they wish, it’s not compulsory – mark on the ballot paper their second choice too.

However, following legislative changes, the 2024 PCC Elections used the first past the post voting system, where voters voted by choosing one candidate on the ballot paper. This is the same system as UK Parliamentary elections and local elections in England and Wales.

The results for Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s elections were as follows:

• Dafydd Llywelyn (Plaid Cymru) 41%

• Ian Harrison (Conservative) 25%

• Philippa Thompson (Labour) 24%

• Justin Griffiths (Welsh Liberal Democrats) 10%

Mr Llywelyn is a former Principal Intelligence Analyst and worked within Police Intelligence for many years before, in 2014, moving to Aberystwyth University to lecture on Criminology.

His career has provided him with considerable insight into core policing issues as well as an understanding of what the public want from the service.

In addition to his role as Commissioner, Mr Llywelyn is the Chair of Policing in Wales and plays an active part in various other Groups including:

• Police Digital Services

• All Wales Criminal Justice Board

• Single Unified Safeguarding Review Board with Welsh Government, Single Responsible Officer for Wales.

• Policing Board for Wales

• National Police Air Service Board

• Safer Communities Programme Board

• National Rural Crime Network - on the Executive Board for Wales

• VAWDASV National Partnership Board Co-Chair alongside Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt MS

• Chair of Wales Data Analysis Innovation & Improvement Network (WDAIIN)

• Chair of Dyfed Powys Local Criminal Justice Board

Mr Llywelyn’s overarching vision for 2021-25 has been to keep the communities of Mid and West Wales safe, Maintaining trust and confidence in our police and criminal justice system as a whole.

He is a fluent Welsh speaker, a family man with five children and enjoys all sports, but takes particular delight in following Wales’ football team home and abroad.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth congratulated Mr Llywelyn on holding the role with huge majority, stating that the PCC Election results in Wales, highlighted a “strong showing of support for Plaid Cymru” and that people are looking for a party that will “truly stand up for our communities”.

Mr ap Iorwerth commended Mr Llywelyn on his “strong track record as a local champion”.

Mr ap Iorwerth MS said: “I'd like to extend my congratulations to Plaid Cymru’s Dafydd Llywelyn who has been re-elected as Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner with a huge majority.

“His resounding victory speaks volumes about his strong track record as a local champion who has fought tirelessly on behalf of the communities he represents.

“It is a true reflection of the trust people have placed in him and of the respect he commands in his role.

“Despite trying to manipulate the result by changing the voting system, the Conservatives have been roundly defeated,” he continued.

“As the result in Dyfed Powys shows an electorate that isn’t enthused by Keir Starmer and are increasingly astonished by revelations about Vaughan Gething’s donations.

“I thank all our candidates. A strong showing of support for Plaid Cymru across Wales shows the appetite for a party that will truly stand up for our communities.

“We believe that earning trust is vital, and that we need representatives that listen to voters, give them a voice, and put Wales’ interests first.

“While the London parties take us for granted, that’s exactly what a vote for Plaid Cymru at the next general election can offer,” he added.