Dyfed Powys Police Federation members have been singing the praises of their new welfare van amid news that funding for a second vehicle had been secured.

The specially-adapted van is equipped with a toilet, fridge, microwave, coffee and tea-making facilities and also features a retractable awning.

It has already seen action at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and was then despatched to London during the run-up to the Queen’s funeral.

Branch secretary Roger Webb said the van was popular with officers and thanked Chief Constable Richard Lewis for his input.

Roger also revealed a second vehicle was being procured for the use of officers serving in the northern areas of the Force.

He said: “The Chief Constable has been very supportive and assisted in all aspects.

“We have just secured a second van for the northern area of the Force and we will have more details on that soon.”

Officers can grab a drink and snack in the comfort of the welfare van

Roger said the welfare van had been well received by members.

“So far the feedback from our members has been all positive,” he said.

“It’s a great facility to have on large-scale mutual aid operations such as the Commonwealth Games and the period of mourning after the death of the Queen but it’s also extremely useful when officers are out at serious incidents and crime scenes for long periods and facilities are limited.”

Welfare vans are becoming more popular across the police service as greater emphasis is place on officer morale and wellbeing.

Roger said: “We take the wellbeing of our members incredibly seriously so in that respect the welfare fan is an important addition to the facilities available to them.

“They work very hard, often in very challenging conditions, so they deserve to be looked after when it’s cold and wet and they’re out in the middle of nowhere. 

“The van gives them somewhere to shelter for a few minutes, grab a cup of tea and biscuit and use the loo.

“Little things like than can mean an awful lot when you’re at a remote crime scene miles from the nearest shop or cafe.” 

A second welfare van has been secured for officers in northern areas of the Force 

The welfare van, which is based at Force HQ and will be deployed on request, was funded by the Dyfed Powys Police Federation and regional Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and has had the full support of Chief Constable Richard Lewis.

The Chief Constable tweeted: “Somewhere warm with a cuppa or just to use the bathroom in the middle of nowhere at 3am is central to looking after our staff.”

Mr Llywelyn said: “Policing is a difficult job, and to be able to deploy a welfare unit to support our officers in difficult and unpredictable circumstances is an important asset we now have at our disposal.

“Officers work long shifts, and on occasions, have nowhere to go for that short break we all need at times. It is a fantastic facility to have, which will provide officers with a bit of shelter at times and locations when they will really need it.”