Police officers in Dyfed-Powys are under-recording incidents where force has been used, according to Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn.

The comments came after a review of Police Officers’ use of force initiated by the commissioner's office was shared with local Police and Crime Panel members at their public meeting today, November 16.

Sparked by national requirements to improve transparency around officers’ conduct, recent controversy around the introduction of spit and bite guards, and feedback from the inspectorate, police say the review involved consultation with the public, officers and staff, independent scrutiny of incident footage and a detailed review of available data.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, says while he believes there are 'no major shortcomings' with inappropriate use of force by officers in Dyfed-Powys, he had made recommendations for improvements.

"Whilst nothing of significant concern was found within the review, I was disappointed to find that the use of force is being under-recorded by officers," he said.

"It was not surprising to hear that alcohol, drugs and mental health were recorded as the most prevalent impact factors affecting the police’s tactics.

"Shortcomings in the accurate collection, collation and analysis of data has not allowed me to provide full assurance that force is consistently and proportionately used by officers.

"As such, I have made a series of recommendations to the Chief Constable, which I am confident he and his team will progress."

A total of 36 out of 40 complaints regarding officers' use of force in Dyfed-Powys were not upheld. The report showed that unarmed skills, handcuffing and ground restraints are the majority of tactics resulting in complaints.

The report also found public feedback was mainly positive in relation to police use of force.

Superintendent Craig Templeton, Head of Operations, said the force would continue to make improvements as a result of the review.

"We welcome this scrutiny by the Police and Crime Commissioner and accept there are improvements to be made," he said.

"Work has already started to address the recommendations, including changes to the Use of Force recording system and introducing Body Worn Video, to make scrutiny easier.

"We are confident force is used legitimately in Dyfed-Powys Police and will continue working towards achieving accurate recording."

In a response to the commissioner by the Chief Constable, Mark Collins, a series of recommendations were accepted, and he detailed the Force’s planned course of action.

The commissioner’s office says it will use this action plan to review the Force’s progress over the coming months.