Responding to criticisms made by Welsh Conservatives on Friday 24th July regarding his office staffing and public relations costs, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Alun Michael, said:

“I find it bizarre that I am being criticised by Conservatives in Wales for bringing in more money from their own Government than any other Commissioner in England & Wales to enable South Wales Police to succeed in preventing harm and crime in our area. 

"This money has been invested in preventing crime, keeping communities safe and protecting vulnerable people and supports innovative approaches and projects around early intervention and prevention.

"What my team has been doing is applying common sense, pursuing prevention and early intervention and delivering in practice on what Central Government has been asking the Police to achieve. 

"Some costs have increased precisely because of additional responsibilities given to us in Government legislation, for example in dealing with complaints and appeals.”

The efficiency of this work of the Commissioner in protecting vulnerable people actually saves costs to the public purse as well as preventing further harm, as is illustrated below:

• Swansea Help Point – results in annual saving of £65,000 to policing and £650,000 to the local NHS from an investment of £43,000 each by Police, Ambulance and the local Health Board
• Womens Pathfinder – a cost of £8,666 for those diverted from offending through the Pathfinder compared to a cost of £52,373 in the Criminal Justice System
• DRIVE – challenges the behaviour of perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse - a saving of £61,400 per perpetrator (see graphic)

NOTE:  The above facts come from independent evaluation of the specific projects