THE Police and Crime Commission has officially launched a new unit which aims to provide an improved level of service for the public by taking on feedback.

The service ensures that any dissatisfaction with Gwent Police is dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible before it evolves into a more serious complaint.

The unit also encourages members of the public to tell them about good levels of service they have received from the Force.?Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert has launched the Public Response Unit (PRU) in order to complement the work of the Force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) which handles complaints of a more serious nature against officers and staff.

Examples of the types of dissatisfaction or concern the team could deal with include, a lack of contact or response from Gwent Police, any apparent absence of action around anti-social behaviour (ASB) or illegal parking issues in a community.

Another example may be that the service user has requested an update regarding their case. In this instance, the Public Response Team member will identify and contact the relevant inspector in charge to try and address any issues.

The team aim to record the dissatisfaction or grievance within 24 hours of receipt and will aim to resolve it within 10 working days. Members of the public will also be able to contact the unit to request information and also to provide positive comments and feedback regarding the service they have received from Gwent Police.

Any formal complaints however will be linked directly to the Force’s Professional Standards Department or the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.

Highlighting the importance of the new service, Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert, said: “I have a duty to ensure that the police respond effectively to public concerns. That is why it’s important that any expressions of dissatisfaction against the Force are captured and dealt with appropriately in order to ensure public confidence in the service it provides. This is why the Chief Constable and I are committed to delivering a more streamlined public friendly approach to handling expressions of dissatisfaction and concerns. We also want members of the public to tell us about good levels of service they have received.”

For those with any concerns, suggestions or compliments you wish to bring to the attention of the Public Response Unit, call 01633 642037 Monday to Friday between 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00.

The public can also directly access and submit an online form on the Police and Crime Commissioners website 24 hours a day www.gwent.pcc.police.uk/contact-us/dissatisfaction-and-compliments/ ?