New report shows how research partnerships are improving policing across Wales

29 September 2026

A new report shows how collaboration between Welsh universities, police forces and the offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners is improving policing practice, strengthening public safety and benefitting communities across Wales.

Dr Bronwen Williams, Head of Swansea Law School2

Launched at the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration (AWPAC) Research Symposium held recently, the AWPAC Impact Report highlights the achievements of the partnership and how this is translating into practical benefits in Welsh communities.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has been a proud partner of the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration (AWPAC) since its inception in 2022. The University has played an active role in a number of AWPAC’s 15 funded research projects, contributing to impactful research that has generated practical recommendations and valuable lessons learned. These findings have helped shape and enhance policing practices across Wales, with many of these successes showcased in the AWPAC Impact Report.

AWPAC research that has informed operational policing, strengthened responses to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, improved victim support services, and explored new opportunities for the secure use of police data in research.

The report also highlights a broader legacy. Beyond individual projects, AWPAC has established a strong all-Wales network of researchers and policing professionals who share expertise, identify research needs and develop coordinated responses that enable organisations to respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

Dr Bronwen Williams, Head of Swansea Law School at UWTSD and Chair of the AWPAC Impact and Learning Group, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:

“The partnership between academia and policing is essential to delivering meaningful and lasting change. Research should not exist in isolation; its true value lies in its ability to inform and improve professional practice. By working together, academics and police professionals can identify emerging challenges, gather and evaluate robust evidence, and develop recommendations that lead to tangible improvements in policing.

The success of AWPAC demonstrates the power of collaboration. It is through the shared commitment, expertise and insight of both sectors that evidence-based innovations can be embedded effectively, ultimately benefiting policing services and the communities they serve. Without this mutual partnership, achieving sustained and meaningful change would be far more challenging.”

Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner of Dyfed-Powys Police, said:

“AWPAC shows what can be achieved when policing and academic expertise come together around the needs of communities. Its research is already informing operational practice, training, and support for victims, while the relationships built through the partnership give Wales a stronger foundation for responding to future challenges. This report demonstrates both the practical value of the work delivered so far and the potential of continued collaboration.”

Professor Roger Whitaker, Chair of Wales Innovation Network, said:

“Wales’ universities are an incredible source of knowledge, talent and innovation. AWPAC shows the value of connecting that expertise with organisations on the front line of public service delivery, creating opportunities to develop new ideas and tackle shared challenges collaboratively.

“This report highlights the contribution universities make not only through research, but through convening expertise, fostering innovation and helping translate knowledge into practical solutions.”