“It’s been a fantastic career, full of unique experiences,” says PC Steve Parsons as he retires from South Wales Police after more than 30 years of service.
Steve has reflected on his time with the Force, which began as a traffic warden and spanned response policing, firearms operations, and close protection for senior members of the Royal Family and government.
He said: “It was the variety of work and the camaraderie that made it.”
Steve joined the force in March 1999 as a PC after previous service as a traffic warden. After four years as a PC, during which time he completed his probation, Steve qualified as an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) officer.
PC Steve Parsons with daughter Tayla
The role, he said, was made by its unpredictability and the teamwork.
He said: “The camaraderie was certainly a big part of it, the support that was there from the colleagues and managers as well.
“And another big thing for me on the ARV side of things was that you didn’t know what was going to happen next.
“One minute you’re having a team meeting or a coffee, and the next you’re dealing with a bank robbery or a hostage situation.
Safety
“It can be incredibly unpredictable and high-pressure at times, but that brought us together as teammates.”
Steve qualified in close protection in 2008.
Through that role, he was responsible for the safety of senior members of the Royal Family when they visited South Wales, including the late Queen Elizabeth, King Charles and the now Prince and Princess of Wales.
Steve said: “I was basically seconded to RaSP, the Royal and Specialist Protection unit in the Met.
“This was as well as doing work in-house, with South Wales Police, when the Royal Family come down.
“For instance, Prince Charles had a home near Llandovery, so that would need protecting.
The King
“I’ve looked after the Queen, the King, Prince William and Princess Catherine.
“You name them, I’ve looked after them. I’ve had a very good career, and very colourful.”
His close protection duties included deployments across the UK and on mutual aid, including in Northern Ireland.
One of the standout moments of Steve’s career came during the London Olympics in 2012.
“That was a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Steve said. “It’s difficult to pick out highlights because there have been loads.
“It’s all been one big highlight.”
The role also provided Steve with opportunities that few people in the country experience.
Balmoral
He said: “It’s basically let me go to places and experience places you would never go as a civilian, like Buckingham Palace, going up to Balmoral, I was working all over the country, really.
“I guess you sort of take those things for granted a little bit, going to places that people would never normally see.”
Steve is quick to credit the support he has received from his family.
“My wife, Michele, is very understanding,” he said. “We’ve been together nearly 30 years, and she has been a huge support.
“The kids are grown up now. My son, Mckenzie is going to America for three months, to work on a football camp.
“My daughter, Tayla, has just started in the police. She’s on a response team, funnily enough, in the old station I worked at in Cardiff.
“She’ll be on probation for the next two years and wants to do the same as me eventually, and possibly armed response and close protection, or the dogs section.”
Retirement
As retirement approached, Steve was clear he needed a plan for life after the job.
He qualified as a plumber a few years ago and has developed a business selling commercial vehicles and cars.
And now he is stepping into a new role with the Welsh Government.
“I’ve seen colleagues retire without a plan and feel a bit lost,” he said. “I always knew I wanted options.
“I loved the job, and as a result of it, I’m starting a new role with the Welsh Government, which I’m really looking forward to.”
To mark his retirement, Steve will receive a special commemorative slate through the South Wales Group Insurance Scheme (GIS).
The slate is awarded to police officers and staff of all ranks, roles, and departments who have completed at least 20 years of service and at least five years’ GIS membership.
Community
Developed in partnership with The Slate House, a local business specialising in authentic Welsh slate, the pieces are designed to reflect strength, longevity and a connection to the community.
“It’s a really nice surprise,” Steve said. “I didn’t expect it, and it’s great to be one of the first to receive it.”
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.
Crafted in partnership with The Slate House, the plaque uses authentic Welsh slate – chosen for its strong cultural significance and its symbolism of strength, resilience, and longevity. Each piece is intended to serve as a lasting tribute, marking the transition from a policing career into retirement while sitting alongside traditional honours such as long service medals.
Policing careers
The initiative reflects a shift in how service is recognised, acknowledging that modern policing careers are evolving and that valuable contributions are not defined solely by reaching historic milestones.
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: Officer commitment should never be taken for granted.