Where next for policing in Wales?

At the Welsh Labour conference in Swansea (14-15 February), University academics joined politicians and practitioners to discuss the future of policing in Wales.

The discussion came as UK Labour leader Ed Miliband MP told delegates that a future Labour government would hand greater powers over policing to Wales. The University's fringe meeting, "Devolution of policing, where next?" is one of a series of events at party conferences in Wales organised as part of the University's efforts to critically engage with the policy process in Wales and beyond.   

Panellists included Sophie Chambers, from the University's Law School, Professor Martin Innes from the Universities' Police Science Institute, (based at Cardiff University), the Rt Hon Alun Michael, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, and Leighton Andrews AM, Welsh Government Minister of Public Services.

Attended by a cross-section of MPs, party members, councillors and conference observers, the panel discussion was chaired by IWA Director Lee Waters.

Key themes of the timely discussion included what structure should a devolved police service assume, and how policing in Wales should be held to account.  Should we adopt an All-Wales Police Force, and should Police and Crime Commissioners be replaced? 

Panellist and Cardiff Law School lecturer Sophie Chambers outlined her thoughts on Click on Wales.