Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has welcomed the publication of an HMIC inspection into the use of stop and search powers.

The work, commissioned by the Home Secretary, covered all forces in England and Wales. An additional report presents detailed findings on the use of stop and search by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr. Salmon said stop and search is an invaluable tool in the prevention of crime and disorder - and that it should be used fairly and appropriately.

He said: "Stop and search is an important power for the police but it's vital that it's used in the right way. We need to do the right thing for the public of Dyfed-Powys and looking carefully at how we can improve our use of stop and search is part of this.

Mr. Salmon was satisfied that the report acknowledges the force's work on improving its use of stop and search. A working group is taking forward improvements in the use and recording of stop and search.

He said: "The use of stop and search can have a profound effect on community confidence with the police service.

"I recognise that more needs to be done to make more information available to the public on how the power is being used in Dyfed-Powys. I also recognise that the force needs to better listen to the views of those who are stopped and searched - and act on feedback gained. This will give us a fuller understanding of the impact that stop and search has on our communities.

"I will continue to scrutinise developments planned around stop and search and will ensure that the public have the opportunity to scrutinise our force's stop and search records."

Consultation work has taken place in relation to Dyfed-Powys stop and search powers and nearly nine out of 10 people supported its use in preventing crime.