Policing Matters
Northern Ireland Policing Board
POLICING MATTERS www.nipolicingboard.org.uk
Focusing on the Board’s work and policing issues across Northern Ireland Issue One : September 2010
Board Members briefed by Police Committee discusses ‘Anti-social behaviour’ DPP Round Up Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson Historical Enquiries biggest public concern Page 7 Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Northern Ireland Policing Board
POLICING MATTERS www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 2
The Board is an independent body made up of 19 Members to ensure for all the WELCOME people of Northern Ireland the delivery of an effective, efficient, accountable and TO impartial police service which will secure the confidence of the whole community by reducing crime and the fear of crime. POLICING Click here to see the Board membership. www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/index/ MATTERS theboard.htm ------Our work covers: • Oversight of PSNI; Policing Matters is the • Human Rights; • Community Engagement; monthly newsletter • Research and Statistics; on the work of the • District Policing Partnerships; and Northern Ireland • Senior Officer Appointments
Policing Board. ------How to contact us: It is the Policing Board’s job to make sure Northern Ireland Policing Board that the PSNI, through the Chief Constable, Waterside Tower are held to account for service delivery so 31 Clarendon Road that the community can have confidence Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG on how the police operate on a day to Tel: 028 9040 8500 day basis. Fax: 028 9040 8525 Email: [email protected] This newsletter provides a report on key Textphone: 028 9052 7668 Web: visit www.nipolicingboard.org.uk for issues being dealt with by the Board, its all the latest news on the work of the Board. community engagement and consultation Join us on Facebook work and updates on some initiatives being www.facebook.com/policingboard taken forward locally by District Policing Partnerships. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, This PDF newsletter will become a regular neither the Northern Ireland Policing channel of communication between the Board nor its consultants will be held Board and the various groups and audiences liable for any inaccuracies that may be contained within. we work with. Northern Ireland Policing Board
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Board Meeting News
Photo: (l-r): Ombudsman’s Office Chief Executive, Sam Pollock, Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, Board Acting Chair, Brian Rea and Board Chief Executive Adrian Donaldson. Police Ombudsman Briefs Board Members
Board Members met with Police Members also questioned how the 69 Ombudsman Al Hutchinson at the policy recommendations arising from September meeting to discuss the investigations during 2009/10 were being work of the Ombudsman’s office taken forward and the ongoing working and issues of mutual interest. relationship between the Board’s Human Rights and Professional Standards At the meeting the Ombudsman advised Commitee and the Ombudsman’s office. that the work and outputs from the office were focused on building confidence in Members also noted progress with a policing, contributing to improved policing local resolution project that had been for the community and dealing with the initiated by the Ombudsman’s office to past; and set out how the office worked to find more timely and less bureacratic ways deliver against these 3 key areas. of dealing with less serious complaints to the satisfaction of the complainant. In respect of complaints against the police, in the last financial year 3,528 complaints A copy of the Police Ombudsman’s were received, a 14% rise on the previous Annual Report which contains statistics year. Board Members discussed the nature for the 2009/10 year can be found at of the complaints, complaint outcomes www.policeombudsman.org and the trends and patterns emerging. Northern Ireland Policing Board
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Chief Constable’s Report POLICE PERFORMANCE At the latest Board meeting the Chief Constable updated Board Members on the policing operation UPDATE in Ardoyne and other areas across Northern Ireland where sporadic violence broke out. While the Board’s recently To date 70 people have been arrested, published DPP survey identified 55 charged and 11 released pending a anti-social behaviour as being the report to the Public Prosecution Service number one issue for communities in relation to disorder in both the Ardoyne across Northern Ireland, statistics area and South Belfast.* presented by the Chief Constable at the September meeting show The Chief Constable advised that the that the number of these incidents £1.1million spent on the policing operation has decreased by 2675 (7% in Ardoyne would have funded reduction) compared to the same a neighbourhood policing team of 8 period last year. Board Members officers working in Ardoyne for 3 years. welcomed the report that overall crime levels were down and The Chief Constable was also questioned detection rates up; and that the by Members on ‘Operation Exposure’ number of people killed on the road which has resulted in 40 identifications between April and September 2010 to date. Members of the Human Rights has decreased significantly to 24 and Professional Standards Committee compared to 56 deaths during the will further discuss this issue at its same period in 2009. next meeting. * Figures correct on 2/9/10 Northern Ireland Policing Board
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Pictured at the Board Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee are (L-R): Alastair Ross MLA, Jonathan Bell MLA, Martina Anderson MLA,Basil McCrea MLA (Chair), Mary McKee (Vice Chair), Patricia MacBride, Victim’s Commissioner, Brendan McAllister, Victim’s Commissioner, Rosaleen Moore and Bertha McDougall, Victim’s Commissioner. The meeting focused on the human rights Commissioners on addressing aspects of this hugely important issue and this difficult issue from a victim’s included discussions with Commissioners perspective including discussion on Bertha McDougall, Patricia MacBride their recent proposals to Government and Brendan McAllister, Commission for on dealing with the past. Dave Cox, Board Committee Victims and Survivors (CVS) and Dave HET also had an opportunity to update Cox, Director of the Historical Enquiries Members on how the organisation is Team (HET). progressing with case reviews. discusses Historical Speaking after the meeting Basil McCrea The Committee will take forward MLA, Chair of the Human Rights and further consideration of some issues Enquiries Professional Standards Committee said: arising from discussions.” “This meeting was a great opportunity to engage with some of our key Separately Members had very useful The Human Rights and Professional Standards stakeholders on important human discussions with Monica McWilliams, Committee recently held a dedicated meeting to rights issues associated with NIHRC, which included updates on discuss ongoing issues around dealing with historical historical enquiries. The Committee Human Trafficking in Northern Ireland enquiries in Northern Ireland. received a briefing from the CVS and Immigration Detainee Detention Facilities. Northern Ireland Policing Board
POLICING MATTERS www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 6
Survey results show anti-social PSNI Gender Action behaviour biggest public concern
Plan Review Discussed The Board has published public think of policing in their area the results from the February and outline where the public think police 2010 DPP Public Consultation attention should be focused. There is a Survey, which was sent to real challenge ahead in matching service 74,000 households across delivery to community expectation; but Northern Ireland. a clear commitment has been given by the Chief Constable in respect of service The Board commissioned NISRA’s Central delivery and substantial work is ongoing Survey Unit to conduct this biennial survey, by the PSNI to deliver that.” as part of its statutory duty to assess Members of the Policing Board’s Women’s Strategic Reference Group pictured with the Board’s Deputy Chief Executive, Debbie Donnelly, Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie and Board Member Martina Anderson MLA. the level of public satisfaction with the police and DPPs. Results from the 15,675 responses will be used by the Board District Policing Partnership (DPP) Public The Board’s Women’s Strategic the impending review; and other and DPPs to help shape future policing Consultation Survey Reference Group invited the initiatives to improve policing services priorities and objectives for the police. Deputy Chief Constable Judith for women. Discussions were very The Board’s Acting Chair Brian Rea Gillespie, Board Member Martina positive and provided an opportunity said: “Perhaps not surprisingly, 82% of Anderson MLA and the Board’s for the Members of the Reference Group respondents named anti-social behaviour to raise various concerns and to highlight Deputy Chief Executive, Debbie as one of the top five biggest policing issues Donnelly to join them at a recent UK and European legislation which where they lived. Other important issues were meeting to reflect on and discuss should be taken into account as part burglary (stated by 74% of respondents), road issues of common interest, in of the review process. traffic offences (64%) and drug dealing and particular, the imminent review of the PSNI Gender Action Plan The Women’s Strategic Reference Group drug use/abuse (55%). (GAP) initially published in 2004. expressed their interest in being actively involved in the development, consultation 72% of respondents stated that prompt During the meeting DCC Gillespie spoke and ongoing monitoring of the Plan and responses to emergencies and visible about progress to date in relation to the it was agreed that the issues arising from patrolling were the main activities that A copy of the survey can be current GAP, which has included the discussions would be taken forward and the police should concentrate on to found on the Board’s Website at: introduction of a Flexible Working Policy; considered at a further meeting. deal with the issues where they live. www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/ These results clearly set out what the omnibus_survey_2010.pdf Northern Ireland Policing Board
POLICING MATTERS www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 7 DPP ROUND UP Across Northern Ireland District Policing Partnerships are working to improve policing services to the community and deal with local policing issues. Here we report on initiatives over the last month.....
Banbridge DPP has Anti-Drug invested in an unusual prop to help promote Campaign The Big the crime prevention message around keeping your mobile phone safe. Launched Phone The large polystyrene mobile A number of leaflet drops phone is an instant attraction targeting hotspot areas for at various community events drug dealing took place in at which people of all ages Derry/Londonderry over Pictured at the launch of the anti-drugs campaign are encouraged to mark their are (l-r) Agnes Kennedy Derry CSP Manager, the summer period. Ald. Drew Thompson, Chair of Derry CSP, Project phones with their postcode Dermot Harrigan, Derry DPP Manager and and house number using an The main aim of the campaign, Ald. Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP. ultra violet pen, and to record put together in partnership with key details which are required Crimestoppers, the local DPP and show that the availability of drugs when reporting a mobile phone CSP is to encourage people in the in our neighbourhoods is a major lost or stolen. community to ‘Break the Silence and concern for our residents. As a Stop the Drug Dealing’. DPP we realise that the police The simplicity of the message can only tackle this issue with and mobility of this initiative Supporting the ongoing fight against the help of the public and we means that it can be utilised the supply of illegal drugs, Alderman would encourage anyone with at a wide range of events and Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP said: information about drug dealing provide a starting point for DPP “Local public consultations to contact the police or and police engagement with carried out recently by the DPP Crimestoppers.” Sgt. Paul Ferguson pictured with young people and youth workers at the Dromore Youth Drop-in event to promote keeping mobile phones safe. hard to reach groups. Northern Ireland Policing Board
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Business Watch Scheme DPPs for Pennybridge
go Digital Pictured at the launch of the Business Watch Scheme are (l-r) Sgt. Alison Wylie, Noel Elliot, Cllr. Hubert To assist with raising awareness Nicholl, David Kirkpatrick, Charlie McConnell, Audrey of the work of DPPs the Board Wales, Independent has supported an initiative DPP Member, Insp. Pete Bouma, Mayor Cllr. which involved setting up Maurice Mills, Cllr. Martin Clarke, DPP Member, Gail 10 Information stands in Barber, Cllr. Paul Frew supermarkets and leisure MLA, DPP Member and C/Insp. Ryan Henderson, centres across Northern Ireland. Area Commander.
The stands include a large digital screen The Action Committee of the The first batch of Business Watch which runs information on the DPP and Pennybridge Traders, Ballymena signs, funded by the local PSNI will be its membership, crime prevention and Chamber of Commerce and prominently displayed on a number of community safety messages, details Industry, local PSNI and business premises throughout the estate. of local neighbourhood policing teams Ballymena DPP recently launched and policing initiatives. Leaflets are also the Pennybridge Business Watch Commenting on the scheme, DPP Member Area, the first of its kind in displayed in pockets below the screens Mrs Audrey Wales MBE, also a member of Northern Ireland. for passers-by to take away. the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Business Watch will make This new initiative will allow traders to work The 10 DPPs who have taken up this owners and staff of businesses in together to monitor any suspicious activity first opportunity are Armagh; Ballymoney; Pennybridge more security conscious taking place on the estate, they will share Top to Bottom Banbridge; Coleraine, Cookstown, Derry, and more aware of people that call (l-r) Mrs Anne Broome, Tesco’s Community Champion; Down; Lisburn; Magherafelt; and North information with one another, report their Cllr. Arthur Carson, Chair Lisburn DPP and Area Commander at the business for no good reason. C/Insp. Darrin Jones. concerns to an Action Committee member, Down. Community Safety Partnerships In short we all have to work together (l-r) Ald. Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP, James McEleney, (CSPs) and the PSNI supported the who will in turn pass that information to the Centre Manager, Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre and to prevent crime and Business Watch C/ Insp. Chris Yates, Area Commander, Foyle PSNI. local police. The Police will email crime initiative, providing information for the signs will send out a clear message (l-r) Con. Dessie Shirley, Ballymoney PSNI, Cllr Tom McKeown, screens to highlight particular community prevention warnings to other traders on Chair Ballymoney DPP, Bryan Edgar, Chair Ballymoney CSP, to any would-be criminal that you are Cathy Watson, Community Safety Manager and safety issues. the estate and target their resources to a Tesco representative. being watched”. address concerns. (l-r) Cllr. Ian Burns, Chair Banbridge DPP, Mr Aengus Hannaway, Chair Banbridge CSP, Insp. Joe McMinn, PSNI and a representative from the Tesco Banbridge store. Northern Ireland Policing Board
POLICING MATTERS www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 9 ‘Lark in the Park’ in Omagh DIARY DATES To address the reoccurrence of anti-social behaviour in Grange Park, Omagh the local CSP, through their Summer Splash funding Antrim DPP will be holding an open organised a ‘Lark in the Park’ event in August. surgery on Tuesday 7 September The Board’s first Chinese Community 2010, 6.00pm - 7.00pm in the Antrim Engagement Meeting will be held Civic Centre. in the Chinese Welfare Association, Stranmillis on Thursday 30 The next Lisburn DPP Public Meeting September 2010 from 12noon. will be held in the Balmoral Hotel, Blacks Road, Dunmurry on Tuesday Banbridge DPP is supporting a 21 September 2010 at 7.00pm. Safer Driving event on 30 September 2010 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm The next Derry DPP Public Meeting at The Outlet, Bridgewater Park, will be held in Clooney Hall on Banbridge. Tuesday 21 September at 7.30pm. The October Policing Board Meeting Promoting the ‘Lark in the Park’ event are (l-r) Audrey Rainey, CSP Member, Sean Begley DPP Member and CSP Chair, Castlereagh DPP is sponsoring in Public will be held at Board local band Urban Monkeys, Mrs Elaine Thompson, DPP Vice Chair and Gerry McCusker CSP Manager. a seminar to explore ways of Headquarters, Waterside Tower, improving existing services and 31 Clarendon Road, Belfast on Fully supporting the initiative Omagh DPP Speaking about the ‘Lark in the Park’ information for migrant and ethnic Thursday 7 October 2010 from also provided additional funding to help Cllr. Charlie Chittick said: "This event minority families experiencing 12noon. promote the event. was organised to tackle an ongoing domestic violence. The event is problem in Omagh of misuse of the park A wide variety of activities to entertain young being held in the Hanwood Suite, The Board’s 6th Public Engagement and continued incidents of anti-social people aged between 13 and 18 during the Dundonald Ice Bowl, Castlereagh Meeting will be held in the Marine behaviour. We hope this event will send day included 5-aside football tournaments, on Tuesday 28 September 2010, Court Hotel, Bangor on Monday a strong united message that this type a bungee run and an outdoor concert 10.00am - 1.00pm. 1 November from 7.00pm. of behaviour will not be tolerated in showcasing local bands and dance groups. the Grange but fun can still be had in A range of agencies also set up information More information on the events it without the consumption of alcohol stands in the park to provide teenagers with listed above can be obtained by in a supervised environment. I am advice on careers, health promotion, drug contacting the Policing Board also delighted that the event was well and alcohol abuse and community safety or the local DPP Manager. received and supported by the young and the PSNI were also on hand to provide people of Omagh.” advice on road safety. Northern Ireland Policing Board
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Picture Page This pictorial round up provides details of some other events over the last month.
Board Acting Chair, Brian Rea Banbridge and Craigavon DPPs recently held a joint public forum for Pictured at the launch of the latest Neighbourhood Watch recently met Chair carers in Craigavon Civic Centre. Pictured at the ‘Consulting with Carers’ Scheme in Moyle are (l-r) Adrian Proctor, Moyle DPP Manager, of Down District event are representatives from Craigavon and Banbridge Councils, Cllr. Robert McIlroy. Chair Moyle DPP, Philip McKeown, Council and DPP DPPs, PSNI, Heath and Social Care organisations, Carers NI, Vice Chair Moyle DPP and Con. Thomas Ohlrich. Members Cllr. Men’s Wellbeing Project and Carers Matter. Eamonn O Neill to discuss the future of Downpatrick Police Station.
Pictured at the ‘Nowhere to Run’ event against domestic violence Pictured at the Countrysafe Initiative Launch in Castlewellan are in Newtownards are (standing l-r) Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, Liam Braniff, Cllr David Smyth, Mayor of Ards, Ald. Jim (l-r) Con. Helen Black PSNI, Down District Council Chairman and Shannon MP, Ald Robert Gibson, Mr John Gibson, Ards DPP DPP Member Cllr Eamonn O Neill, Down DPP Chair, Cllr. Desmond Vice Chair. (Sitting l-r) Cllr Angus Carson, Ards DPP Chair, Cllr. Patterson, Garda Siochana Mounted Unit Officers Andy McDonald Michell McIlveen MLA, and C/Insp Phil Knox Area Commander. and Jerry O’Brien and PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Ian Young.
Pictured at the Limavady Custom Cruisers recent road safety event are (l-r) Supt. Muir Clarke, PSNI Roads Policing, and DPP Pictured at the launch of the ‘Distracted Drivers are Dangerous’ Pictured at a recent PSNI Passing out Parade are (l-r) Martin Members Michael Coyle and Rosemary Savage. More details campaign in Lisburn are (l-r) Cllr. Andrew Ewing, Area Commander, McAleese, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese; Chief Constable about the event can be viewed at www.districtpolicing.com/ C/Insp. Darrin Jones and Cllr Arthur Carson Chair of Lisburn DPP. Matt Baggott and Acting Board Chair, Brian Rea. limavady/limavady-newpage-9.htm