After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Detective Superintendent Gareth Morgan says he is retiring from South Wales Police with a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction.
Having brought his policing career to a close this summer, Gareth is among the latest officers to receive the South Wales Police Federation Retirement Plaque, introduced earlier this year to recognise the commitment and service of long-serving Federation members.
The commemorative plaque is awarded to officers and staff who have completed at least 20 years’ service with South Wales Police and have also been members of the Federation’s Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) for a minimum of five years.
Reflecting on his career, Gareth said he was honoured to receive the plaque, describing it as a meaningful acknowledgement of his years of service.
DS Gareth Morgan receives a long-service plaque from branch secretary Mike George.
“Being given this plaque is something I really appreciate. It’s a nice touch from the Federation not just for me, but for my family too, whose support has allowed me to remain so dedicated to my job,” he said.
“It’s a funny feeling to retire – a mix of different emotions – and after more than 30 years, there is a lot for me to reflect on.
“But I’m also feeling very proud of the career I’ve had, and very thankful to the people who have helped make it so enjoyable.”
Gareth joined South Wales Police in September 1995 after growing up in Bettws, near Bridgend, where a strong sense of public service inspired him to pursue policing as a career.
Communities
“My first posting was on response covering Bridgend, meaning I was familiar with the area and the local communities, and this was a really nice way to start the job,” Gareth added.
“After a few years, I was inspired by some local detectives, which resulted in me joining the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“It was a role I thoroughly enjoyed, working with great colleagues who took time to develop me and encourage me to progress my career.”
Following several years as a detective constable, Gareth was promoted to sergeant before later joining the Force’s Major Crime Investigation Team via its intelligence unit. As a senior investigating officer, he led numerous homicide investigations and established a reputation for calm, professional leadership.
In 2019, Gareth was promoted to Detective Superintendent and spent the final two years of his career in the Professional Standards Department (PSD), a role he describes as one of his biggest challenges.
“I wanted one more challenge, and this last role has provided that. It’s one I’ve taken incredibly seriously, and I’ve been able to use my experience to make fair and balanced decisions that hopefully go some way to improving trust and confidence in the police.
Source of support
“It’s also given me the chance to work closely with the Federation, who I have always appreciated as a member and have now witnessed to be an incredible source of support for officers involved in the inevitably tough environment of PSD.”
After finishing work on Friday 26 June, Gareth said he plans to spend the summer with his family before considering what comes next. Although he has not made any firm decisions, he has not ruled out returning to policing in a staff role, potentially helping to train the next generation of investigators.
“It’s going to take a while to adapt to retirement, but I am looking forward to it.
“There will be plenty of time to spend with my wife and kids during their six-week summer holidays, which I’m really excited about.
“Policing has given me just as much as I’ve given to it over the years, and I’m sure I will miss it a lot.
“My journey continuing in a different capacity can’t be ruled out, but if this is it, then I’m very happy with the career I had.”
New plaque
The brand-new retirement plaque was introduced for members of the GIS and launched on 1 January 2026.
Designed to recognise the commitment of officers and staff as they bow out of policing, each plaque is a piece of authentic Welsh slate crafted in partnership with The Slate House.
The gift is available to anyone retiring after this launch date. 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.
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