Questions to police and crime commissioners: Winston Roddick

Winston Roddick said he was having regular, extensive contact with the public

One month since the four new police and crime commissioners (PCC) in Wales started their jobs, the BBC News website posed them a few questions to see how they were getting on.

Two independents, one Labour and one Conservative were elected last month in what was described as the biggest shake-up of policing for almost 50 years.

The commissioners will be in post until 2016 and will have the power to set policing priorities, budgets and also to hire and fire chief constables.

Q&A: Christopher Salmon, Dyfed-Powys

Next up is the commissioner for North Wales, Winston Roddick. We will feature the final one on Sunday.

What have you been doing in the job so far?

Meeting, discussing, listening, learning and thinking.

In your opinion, are PCCs paid too much? Why?

Judging by the number of hours I have worked so far, no!

Have you appointed any staff or taken on any staff from the former police authority? Will you be doing so?

I am required by law to appoint a chief executive and treasurer and I also propose to appoint a communications officer to deal with press and media queries.

The transition arrangements made by the Home Office resulted in my being provided with four members of staff from the former police authority.

On how many occasions have you spoken to the chief constable so far? What about mainly?

Numerous. His role, my role, our working together.

Have you learnt anything surprising in the job yet?

No. After 40 years working in the criminal justice system there are very few surprises left.

Have you had much contact with the public so far? What have they been saying to you?

Yes. Extensive contact on a regular basis, especially during the flooding in north Wales at the end of November.

The public in Ruthin and St Asaph expressed their great admiration for the work of the police and all the other emergency services.