Exciting but challenging times ahead for new Pembrokeshire Superintendent.

The challenge of a digital revolution, maintaining the basics of policing, and continuing the legacy of his predecessor – the new Superintendent for Dyfed-Powys Police’s Pembrokeshire division has spoken of his hopes and priorities as he takes the reigns.

Ross Evans began his career with the force 16 years ago as an officer in Llanelli. He has since worked in three of the four divisions, spending time on the beat, as well as heading up major investigations as a Detective Chief Inspector in CID.

He now returns to the county he grew up in, leading a team of officers and staff in Pembrokeshire. Looking back, he says joining the police was something he wanted to do from a young age.

“Surprisingly, it was policing or teaching for me”, the father-of-two said. “I won the Bobby Busters quiz with my team at school, and I kept the plaque on my shelf. We had an officer who came into school to give us talks and advice, and I think it stuck in my mind as a career. Funnily enough, when I joined the force I was given his collar number.

“Being out on division in uniform is what I wanted to do when I joined. I was born and bred in this area, so I have a huge affinity with Pembrokeshire. I now have a chance to reconnect with the public and their priorities.

“It’s completely different being in uniform to being in CID. As a detective you’re working on individual cases and have an impact on their outcome, but now I feel like I have a chance to have a positive effect on people’s day-to-day lives, and make a difference to the community.”

While Supt Evans can claim the fame of winning the Bobby Busters school quiz all those years ago, it was his predecessor – outgoing Pembrokeshire Superintendent Ian John – who was instrumental in setting the scheme up for Dyfed-Powys.

“There are a lot of cross-overs in policing – it really is like being part of a big family,” he said.

“I always wanted to be a policeman when I was a child, but it didn’t happen straight away. I worked a lot of different jobs – on the bins, in a pub, I sold insurance, worked on building sites – you name it, I did it! But being an officer was something I always wanted to do, and the police service has been fantastic for 30 years.

“I feel really lucky to have worked in every county in the force, as well as headquarters, but it is time to move on.”

Since joining the force 30 years ago, Supt John – who retires in September – has been involved in a number of major cases, including the search for April Jones in Machynlleth and the subsequent murder investigation, but says it is the people and the environment that make the job what it is.

“I have a lot of standout memories, but the biggest satisfaction is when you see people like Ross who come into the force and are consistently trying to do their best,” he said. “There have been a lot of big jobs over the years, but having been a superintendent for many years and having the opportunity to influence and create an environment for people to give their best is a buzz.

“The greatest satisfaction is knowing you have done your bit.”

Looking forward, both officers agreed that it is an exciting but difficult time for the police service, with different types of crime emerging at a fast pace – particularly with a growing number of offences being committed online.

“We need to keep adapting,” Supt Evans said. “It’s an exciting time, but also a time where there are a lot of changes coming. Digital developments are probably the main challenge – both internally and externally.

“We’re going through a digital revolution, and we need to keep doing the basics of policing and keeping things simple, but we will need to police differently as more and more crime is committed online.

“It is a lot harder to keep people safe and to protect people when they can become victims of crime in their own homes over the internet. We need to work with our partners to combat these threats, and that’s what I will be looking to progress.”

Following a handover period, Supt Evans will officially take over on September 20. From then he will be responsible for setting strategy, standards and day-to-day operational policy in Pembrokeshire.

He said: “I’m excited and proud – and I know I have a lot to live up to. I’m going to do my best to do the very best job I can.

“We have got an excellent team of people here, and it’s my job to keep building the momentum that Ian has started.

“Ian leaves a significant legacy, and we all recognise that he has done a huge amount for the county.

“He has created the right environment for me to come into, and to pick up where he left off. We all wish him well for the future.”

And as he leaves with the intention of enjoying the Ryder Cup and spending time with his family, Supt Ian John added: “My parting shot would be – let’s not overcomplicate things.

“There are tough times coming for a lot of services, but let’s not forget what our core service it, and make sure we are delivering it.”