Senedd Cymru	Welsh Parliament
Y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a’r Cyfansoddiad	Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
Gwneud i Gyfiawnder weithio yng Nghymru	Making Justice work in Wales
MJW 03
Ymateb gan: Swyddfa Comisynydd yr Heddlu a Throseddu Gwent	Response from: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent

1. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I welcome this opportunity to provide my views to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for the inquiry on Making Justice Work in Wales.

2. I believe that the terms of reference for parts 1 and 2 of the inquiry are wholly appropriate and the most relevant first steps following the Commission on Justice in Wales. The Commission’s finding “that the people of Wales are being let down by the system in its current state” was worrying but not  unexpected. It is important that changes are made and that the people of Wales are well-served by the justice system and relevant policy and practice.

3. This inquiry will enable the Senedd to form an understanding in order to fulfil the recommendation regarding the scrutiny of the operations of the justice system in Wales. Step 1 of the inquiry is logically followed by the analysis phase.

4. It is important that in undertaking step 2 of the inquiry the Committee develop tangible and clear actions that enable the ‘integrated approach’ that the Commission so pointedly described as being absent in Wales.  As Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and a leader of a significant area of non-devolved justice, I am committed to an integrated approach to our work. My Office and Gwent Police employ a full partnership approach and work closely with our colleagues in devolved services in a collective delivery of public services. As recognised by the Commission, Welsh Government can be seen to fund matters specifically relating to justice services including the Whole System Approach for Women and the funding of Police Community Support Officers as well as wider services such as housing and healthcare for the whole population of Wales including offenders. I am hugely grateful for this. I believe that in my approach as Police and Crime Commissioner I promote an integrated approach to policy and delivery. I have also funded services that provide opportunities for early intervention and prevention that would not seem, on the face of it, to be justice related issues. However, they most certainly can be seen to address underlying issues relevant to criminal justice. This work is best delivered through a collaborative one service approach across devolved and non- devolved areas of government. However, while I am proud of this work, I take seriously the recommendations of the Commission and recognise that there is some substantial work yet to be done.

5. Finally, I would urge the Committee to consider the current situation of COVID-19 which has created significant issues and challenges for the criminal justice system. I expect that this will demonstrate opportunities for development, and it may also further demonstrate the differences in the delivery of justice in Wales.