Wrexham University Hosts Prestigious All-Wales Policing Academic Conference

Wrexham University was delighted to host this year’s All-Wales Policing Academic Conference (AWPAC), organised in partnership with the Wales Innovation Network (WIN). The event brought together academics, policing professionals, and partners from across Wales and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and address some of the most pressing challenges in policing today.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Joe Yates set the tone for the day, reflecting on how crime disproportionately impacts marginalised communities and stressing the need for inclusion, innovation, and collaboration. He celebrated the University’s contributions to the policing landscape, from trauma-informed approaches to skills development through partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, describing Wales as “a rich landscape of knowledge” where joint working can truly thrive.

Delegates heard from Professor Martina Feilzer (Bangor University) and Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans (Dyfed-Powys Police), co-chairs of AWPAC, who outlined achievements to date, including eight funded projects, and plans for a new strategy focusing on public confidence, funding, engagement, impact, and police data integration into the SAIL databank.

Keynote speaker Sir Andy Cooke QPM DL, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, delivered a powerful address on restoring public trust in policing. He emphasised the central importance of leadership, integrity, and accountability, alongside improved victim care and deeper community engagement.

The conference also featured insights from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, Professor Betsy Stanko OBE on tackling violence against women and girls, and presentations from doctoral researchers Emma Stones (Wrexham) and Tegwen Haf Parry (Bangor).

The day concluded with reflections from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, who thanked Wrexham University for providing an inspiring platform for such vital discussions. As host, Wrexham University was proud to showcase its role at the heart of Welsh innovation, research, and partnership in policing.