The chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police is set to retire after a 25-year career.
Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis, who has served Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, announced his retirement from policing.
Dr Lewis said: "As someone who was raised in west Wales and has worked in all four counties, leading Dyfed-Powys Police has been the professional privilege of my life.
"I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing."
He expressed his confidence in the future of the force, saying: "I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next chief constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18 per cent over the past 12 months - which is by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales."
Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn praised Dr Lewis's leadership.
He said: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.
"His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through a period of significant change over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to the communities we serve."
Mr Llywelyn highlighted Dr Lewis' role in modernising the force, including overseeing multiple change programmes as part of a force review, achieving £10 million in savings, and introducing a new crime records management system.
He said: "In the coming weeks, I will begin the process of appointing a new chief constable to build on the strong foundations that have been put in place over the last three years.
"On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I would like to thank Richard for his service and commitment, and I wish him every success for the future."
The police and crime commissioner will now begin the search for the next chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police.
In the meantime, deputy chief constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary chief constable.
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