WHEN Rhiannon Haf Griffiths passed out as a police constable, she continued her family’s 90-year tradition in policing.
The 22-year-old is the fourth generation Griffiths PC, following her father, grandfather and great-grandfather in helping to keep the communities of South Wales safe.
PC Griffiths passed out as a member of the Dyfed-Powys Police force on Thursday, March 8, and will be based in Llanelli, where her great-grandfather began his career 90 years ago.
Her dad Marc Griffiths spent 30 years with South Wales Police, retiring in 2008, grandfather Ray Griffiths was a PC with the Glamorgan Constabulary, which later became South Wales Police, from 1951 to 1981, and great-grandfather David Haydn Griffiths was stationed in Llanelli with the Carmarthenshire Constabulary from 1928.
Speaking following the new recruits’ passing out ceremony at police headquarters, PC Griffiths said joining the police was something she had been considering for many years.
“When I was a lot younger it wasn’t really something I had thought much about, but as I grew older it became more of an interest,” she said.
“I remember when it was story time my dad would read some nursery books, but then he would tell me about his job and what he did as a police officer, or he’d be rushing off to work, and it all sounded so exciting.
“The older I got, the more interested I was in joining, and I just felt like I had to give it a go.”
Before passing out, PC Griffiths has undergone an intense training course, which she admits was quite challenging at times. She will start her role as a PC in Llanelli in mid-March and is keen to get out on the ground.
“I’ve found the training quite difficult at times, but I have really enjoyed it,” she said. “I have loved coming in to work every day.
“I’m really looking forward to starting, but I’m nervous too. It will be putting all the work we have done into practise now, and taking it a stage further.”
Mr Griffiths said he was incredibly proud to watch his daughter pass out, and to follow not only in his footsteps but those of her grandfather and great-grandfather.
“Growing up, she said she wanted to join the police service, but I always thought she would grow out of it,” he said.
“She proved me wrong and has gone all the way.”
Mr Griffiths joined South Wales Police at the age of 18, and was keen for his daughter to try other things rather than become an officer straight from school.
“I said to get some life experience first, and if she still wanted to then go for it,” he said.
“I really enjoyed it – not always, but for the most part I loved it.
“When Rhiannon starts her first shift I will feel some trepidation, but they are fully trained and well-equipped, and she has the support of the organisation behind her.
“t’s an exciting time for her – I can’t think of any other job that gives you so much experience or variety than being a police officer.”
