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College of Policing launches its first Welsh Language Scheme

09 Jun 2021 3 minute read
Picture by NWP Rural Crime Team on Twitter

The College of Policing has launched its first ever Welsh Language Scheme.

The programme it has published sets out its commitment to the language as well as to supporting police forces in Wales.

It outlines how the professional body for policing in England and Wales will deliver some of its services to the public in the language, as well as support Welsh-speaking officers and staff.

The scheme has been endorsed by the Welsh Language Commissioner Aled Roberts and the Welsh Language Standards that Welsh Police forces adhere to have played a critical part in its development.

It has also been backed by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.

The College says when it is conducting its public business in Wales, that it will treat the English and Welsh languages on the basis of equality.

Inspector Gethin Jones, a Welsh speaker who led the development of the scheme, said: “While there is no formal obligation for the College to have a scheme, it is great that they are supporting the Welsh language in this way.

“Working with the college has made me see just how much they support policing in critical areas and I’m pleased that people from Welsh-speaking communities will now have greater access to that support too.”

‘Growing language’ 

Fiona Eldridge, head of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement at the college, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to support policing in Wales in this way. Welsh is a growing language and being able to support Welsh speakers both in forces and within the communities they serve is a big step forward for the college.”

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki of North Wales Police said: “It’s great to see the scheme come to fruition and I am pleased we were able to collaborate with the college on this important piece of work.

“I know that North Wales Police and policing colleagues across Wales will welcome the additional support this will bring to local communities and our Welsh-speaking colleagues.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “I am proud that North Wales Police has played a key role in helping the college of Policing to develop its new Welsh language policy and in particular I would like to thank Inspector Gethin Jones for his hard work and commitment.

“North Wales Police has been rightly acclaimed for pioneering the use of the Welsh language in policing and this is another vitally important step in providing practical support to Welsh speakers living and working in our communities.”


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Gill Jones
Gill Jones
2 years ago

Da iawn. It’s long overdue!

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