South Wales PEEL 2016

South Wales Police has an excellent understanding of current demand and a good developing picture of likely future demand. The force’s understanding of current demand is based on strong, real-time data, which includes data on internal, hidden and proactive demand. It is now beginning to use its data to understand trends and deploy resources in advance to meet anticipated demand. The force works well with partners at a senior level to ensure joint responsibility for making efficiencies, meeting demand, and understanding and avoiding misdirected demand. The force is looking to predict future demand in a more comprehensive and accurate way by working with the private sector on an important project called the proactive policing pilot.

South Wales Police uses its resources effectively to manage current demand and also uses its detailed understanding of demand to allocate resources. The force has systems in place to understand its workforce gaps and capabilities. It uses these to match operational skills in real-time to demand, and for longer term planning and deployment of resources. The force has developed effective collaborations with other forces and the private sector to deal with demand more efficiently. It has processes in place to ensure it reviews the impact of change on the service it provides.

South Wales Police is planning for future demand. It has prioritised areas to invest in and, in the case of IT, has investment plans that aim to achieve greater efficiency and service improvement. By 2019/20, the force faces a budget gap of £10.2m for revenue and £17m for capital with low or no contingency or capital reserves. It will need to continue focusing on value for money over the next four years to ensure it meets its budget requirement and maintains or improves operational effectiveness.