Last week saw the launch of a new look website for Dyfed-Powys Police, the first phase of a major redevelopment of this important facility. The new site has been developed with all users in mind and is much more user friendly than its predecessor with some useful additional features, including a choice to view the site in English or Welsh from the outset and remember this preference for future visits. Acting Deputy Chief Constable Andy Edwards highlighted the advantages of the new design. "Our new site is much simpler to navigate and has an improved layout making it much easier for people to read. It will also be quicker to download for all users, as the page size has been reduced." "We are one of the highest performing forces in England and Wales and yet our website has simply not reflected this. With advances in technology now taking place almost daily, it is vital for a customer focused organisation like ours to have a well developed and useful website where people can access the information that they want and need," he added. The new site contains information about the force and more importantly the officers and PCSOs responsible for policing your local area. Each county area has specific information on initiatives locally, the nature of the communities policed and the police stations serving that area. Other important information includes: Monthly crime figures; press releases; appeals for information (when relevant); recruitment information and the latest vacancies available in the force; advice on safety and security in the home, for your car and for personal belongings; advice on how to make a Freedom of Information request; and a specific section providing access to force plans, policies and reports. Whilst the new site is a significant step forward in the force's external communications, the Acting Deputy Chief Constable is clear that this is the first phase of more exciting developments. "By next summer you will be able to access crime figures on a monthly basis for your own local area and we will be looking to publicise information about the work of some of our specialist departments such as the dog section, our roads policing teams and the helicopter support unit. "I would encourage you to log on to the new site at http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk">www.dyfed-powys.police.uk and give us your views on the layout and content. We need to know what information you would like to know about your force and we will do our utmost to ensure that we can provide it. "The bedrock of this force is its link with local communities and developing robust working practices has been our priority, rather than concentrating on marketing what we do. "Now the time has come to showcase the force's achievements in what will become our shop window, but without the embellishments that sometimes detract from the central message that this force serves to safeguard its communities - something that it does demonstrably well and something of which staff and communities throughout the force area can feel justifiably proud," Mr. Edwards concluded