Response To IPCC Statement

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: “In 2012 South Wales Police initiated its own review into the sequence of events prior to the arrest of Ian Watkins. We identified that there were issues of concern and voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission which has resulted in the statement today. (Friday 1st July) ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“The IPCC has made a number of recommendations both in terms of organisational learning and individual officers. We accept these recommendations and will respond promptly to the investigation and its findings. This will include the progression of misconduct proceedings, to take place in the autumn. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Our primary objective as an organisation remains the safeguarding of vulnerable people and children. We now have dedicated staff dealing with child protection issues and working closely with our partner agencies. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“We know it is difficult taking that first step in reporting child abuse and that people coming forward need support but we would urge anyone with concerns about a child or young person to get in touch with us immediately. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“There are a number of ways to contact us – you can call 999, 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – and we will listen to you. You can also report any concerns via the free NSPCC helpline online on 0808 800 5000 or through the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website www.ceop.police.uk” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​