Volunteers across Dyfed-Powys have been saluted by Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon.

He said their efforts on behalf of his office were helping to protect vulnerable people and ensure high standards of professionalism at Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Salmon, who oversees two volunteer initiatives, is launching a third and shares another with Chief Constable Simon Prince, said: “The success of these schemes is down to the commitment and dedication of our volunteers.

“They provide the public with confidence that standards and rights are protected. Their flexibility, support and dedication to the schemes is greatly appreciated.”

The praise comes in the Commissioner’s first annual report on the volunteer schemes.

It outlines the work carried out by his Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) and Animal Welfare Scheme volunteers, along with the Independent Advisory Group which acts as a critical friend to the Commissioner and Chief Constable.

The Dyfed-Powys ICV scheme sees volunteers visit custody suites to check on the wellbeing of detainees and to ensure that their rights are upheld. The Animal Welfare Scheme looks at the conditions of police dogs.

ICVs undertook 147 custody visits from November 2012-December 2013, seeing 155 detainees.

Issues raised included intercoms not working and the cleanliness of cells. The Commissioner continues to hold the Chief Constable to account for an action plan for improving detainee care.

Animal Welfare Volunteers undertook 21 visits from November 2012-December 2013.