Bringing the curtain down on a 30-year policing career, DC Alun Efstathiou has spoken of his honour at being recognised with a special retirement gift presented by the South Wales Police Group Insurance Scheme (GIS).
Ahead of his final shift earlier this year, Alun said he spent the last few weeks in the job full of mixed emotions. However, one source of comfort for the 51-year-old was a personalised slate plaque from the GIS, marked with his name, rank and years of service.
What made this extra special for Alun was that he was among the first to be awarded a gift of this kind – a plaque made from authentic Welsh slate, developed in partnership with local specialists ‘The Slate House’.
DC Alun Efstathiou celebrates with colleagues while holding his retirement gift
Ahead of receiving the plaque, Alun said: “When I first heard I was in line for the gift, I was genuinely touched. It’s a really nice gesture from the Federation and a piece of acknowledgement I really appreciate.
“I know my family will be very pleased with it too, and it will be nice for my two kids to look at in years to come, to remind them of my career and service.
“At a time when you are overloaded with affection and congratulations from people, something like this still sticks out, and all of it makes me so glad to have been part of this profession for so long.”
Imagination
Despite his gratitude for everything the job has given him, Alun says policing was ‘never on my radar as an ambition’ growing up in Barry.
This only changed when he fell victim to a minor crime as a teenager, and a casual conversation with a pair of officers soon turned into a spark for his imagination.
“Joining the Force was never part of some grand design for me,” he continued. “I just was at a loose end, really, and the more I asked and the more I heard from these officers, the more I wanted to do it myself.
“And it was the best decision I ever made. Even if it happened by chance, I think it was absolutely meant to be – I could never have imagined some of the things I’ve gone on to do over the past three decades.”
Alun began Force life in 1996 on response in Cardiff city centre, where he remained for the next four years, before moving over to Cathays in a similar capacity but adapting to a more residential area of the capital.
A big football fan, among his highlights in these early years was working on the FA Cup Finals held at the Millennium Stadium during the early to mid 2000s.
A shift towards neighbourhood and community work while remaining in Cathys, then followed for Alun, before he joined the Force’s investigation hub at Cardiff Bay.
Investigation
“That’s where I got my taste for investigating, which has stayed with me until the end of my career. The position I retired from is as a serious collision investigator – something I have been proud to do for the last nine years.
“It’s possibly been my favourite of all my roles, largely because of the responsibility I’ve held as a face of the Force to families in the worst times of their lives. I’ve had to break bad news many times, and I’d like to think I’ve always handled that with the respect and sensitivity it deserves.
“However, it is of course very emotionally draining, and that doesn’t get any easier, which is partly why the time feels right for me to step away from policing.”
Above anything else, however, in Alun’s decision to retire is simply a desire to take his passion into a new challenge, with a move into private investigation potentially on the cards next.
But before that, the father-of-two will enjoy some well-earned family time, as well as a spot of travelling, including a visit to Toronto for the 2026 World Cup.
“I’ve got some nice plans coming up, but I’ll certainly miss the day-to-day sense of reward I get from work, as well as plenty of wonderful colleagues,” Alun said.
“Whatever I’ve done throughout my service, I’ve always been out on the frontline helping the public, and for that I am proud.
Good energy
“But I couldn’t have done any of it without having good people and good energy around me – and this recognition from the Federation is a perfect example of that, so I am extremely thankful. I’ve had an absolute blast.”
What is the GIS retirement plaque?
The brand-new retirement plaque was introduced for members of the South Wales Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) and launched on 1 January 2026.
This bespoke Welsh slate memento has been carefully designed to recognise the dedication, service, and commitment of both officers and staff across all roles within South Wales Police.
Who is eligible?
- Police staff and police officers across all ranks, roles, and departments within South Wales Police
- Recipients must be GIS members and have completed at least 20 years of service
- Recipients must have been part of the GIS for a minimum of five years.
The plaque is available to anyone retiring after 1 January 2026. However, due to increased interest, plaques can also be purchased by those who retired before this date at a reduced cost of £80.
If you are not already a member of the GIS and would like more information on joining, then visit the GIS page on our website.
If you know someone – of any rank, role or department – who is eligible for a retirement slate, or you want more information on the plaque, including how to purchase one as a retired member, please contact the South Wales Police Federation office.
READ MORE: Last chance to have your say in national wellbeing survey.