VIDEO: "Keeping The Public Safe From Harm, Day In, Day Out"

Mr Vaughan has already served over the past four years as Assistant Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable of the region. He began his policing career with North Wales Police in 1996.

Our radio stations regularly work closely with South Wales Police on a variety of awareness raising campaigns - including the Be Vigilant initiative which focused on County Lines drug gangs in Wales.

Our reporter Emma Grant spoke with Jeremy Vaughan about his vision for the force, whether lockdown had dented the activity of drug gangs and the impact Covid has had on policing and his budget. WATCH here:

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan told us: “I’m delighted to succeed Matt Jukes as Chief Constable of South Wales Police and to have the opportunity to lead such a great team of officers and staff who work so hard to keep the communities of South Wales safe.

“I am inheriting a force which is in good shape and fit to meet the challenges of today. But this does not mean that we will stand still, and I am determined to see us move forward to maintain the progress in preventing crime and protecting communities.

“We are policing in challenging times, Covid-19 has affected every one of our communities and I know it has been a really difficult time for the people of South Wales.

“Officers and staff of South Wales Police have not escaped these challenges, both in terms of dealing with those few people who are putting others at risk by ignoring the rules, and also they too have had to look after their own wellbeing, their families’ health, while at the same time continuing to keep the public safe from harm day in, day out.”

“Notwithstanding the difficulties of the Covid environment, we must continue addressing the challenges in our communities, including serious violence and knife crime, domestic violence and abuse and drug dealing, which now involves protecting some of the most vulnerable people in society who are exploited by drugs gangs.

“Much of what we deal with now I would describe as hidden harm – the abuse which goes on behind closed doors – which makes it absolutely vital that victims and communities have confidence to report crimes such as sexual and domestic abuse to us.

“Not everything can be tackled and achieved by the police alone and by continuing to work in partnership with other organisations, I hope that we will play our part in helping people get the support and help they need.”