Contents
1 Context 3 Evidence Base 015 Area 9 Crime and Reporting 15 Influence of the Past 19 Policing Developments 2005 - 2020 23 Current Policing Model 31 Performance 37 Security First Culture 45 Style and Tone of Delivery 48 Resourcing and Patrolling 51 Visibility 58 Weapons 60 Tasking Protocols 65 Engagement 77 Stations 93 Confidence in Our Integrity 99 Local Accountability 101 Cross Border Policing and Community Safety 105 Conclusion 107 Recommendations 123 Appendices 124 Appendix A: Terms of Reference 126 Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources 134 Appendix C: Consultation Methods 137 Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings 151 Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020 163 Appendix F: Newry, Mourne and Down Area Maps 164 Appendix G: Photographs Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton Police Stations, March 2020 Context Evidence Base Area Crime and Reporting Influence of the Past Policing Developments 2005 - 2020 Current Policing Model Performance Security First Culture Style and Tone of Delivery Resourcing and Patrolling Visibility Weapons Tasking Protocols Engagement Stations Confidence in Our Integrity Local Accountability Cross Border Policing and Community Safety Conclusion Recommendations Appendix A: Terms of Reference Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources Appendix C: Consultation Methods Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020 Appendix F: Newry, Mourne and Down Area Maps 17 December 2020 Chief Superintendent Philip Knox T/Chief Inspector Finola Dornan POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Context
CONTEXT 01 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
In January 2020, Police Service of Ultimately, this Review seeks to Northern Ireland Chief Constable build confidence and support Simon Byrne initiated a review of for policing in South Armagh policing arrangements in South in the interests of community Armagh.1 This was precipitated, safety. The Review was focused in part, by the immediate public on understanding how policing reaction to a social media release has been felt and experienced on Christmas Day 2019 in which by the people of South Armagh. the Chief Constable appeared Community perspective has outside Crossmaglen Police Station remained at the forefront of with Local Policing Team officers considerations. carrying police issue assault rifles.
Community feedback obtained The recommendations within this in the period which followed report seek to align the South highlighted broader concerns Armagh policing model to standard regarding the style and tone of organisational practice and to local policing. This influenced the achieve outcomes outlined in the decision to dedicate time and Policing Plan 2020 – 2025, namely: resource to reflect objectively on the policing approach and • We have a safe community recommend changes that would facilitate an increasingly visible, • We have confidence in policing accessible, responsive and community-focused service.2 • We have engaged and supportive communities
1 All references to South Armagh within the body of this report should be read as referring to the boundaries of Slieve Gullion District Electoral Area 2 Terms of Reference can be read in full at Appendix A
02 CONTEXT POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Evidence Base
EVIDENCE BASE 03 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The Review was conducted over a Appendix A six month period between February Provides a copy of the Terms of and October 2020.3 Information Reference for the South Armagh was obtained from a wide range of Policing Review sources. Broad categories included: Appendix B • Academic, Research and Policy Provides a detailed overview of Papers reference material and sources
• Press Reporting Appendix C Provides further information on • Internal and External Consultation consultation methods
• Human Resources Data Appendix D Provides a copy of survey findings • Police Performance Analysis and analysis conducted by Community Restorative Justice to • Benchmarking inform the Review
• Community Surveys administered Appendix E by Community Restorative Justice Provides a summary of survey (CRJ) and Newry, Mourne and responses produced by PCSP Down Policing and Community Manager, Newry Mourne and Down Safety Partnership (PCSP) District Council on behalf of the Review
3 A postponement took place between April and June 2020. This was attributable to competing operational requirements experienced by the Police Service during the Covid-19 pandemic
04 EVIDENCE BASE CONTEXT 02 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Area
AREA 05 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Newry, Mourne and Down District South Armagh reported the Council area is managed by the following demographics in the 2011 Police Service as, ‘D District’. It had Census: a population of 171,533 at the time of the 2011 Census, a figure which is Religion estimated to have risen to 181,368 83.68% of people were brought up by June 2019.4 in the Catholic religion and 14.53% in Protestant/Other Christian religions. South Armagh is a rural border community located within Newry, Nationality Mourne and Down District 62.27% identified as Irish, 24.24% as Council and Newry and Armagh Northern Irish and 14.87% as British.8 Constituency. A resident population of 27,469 people living in 9,319 Ethnicity households was recorded at the 99.47% of population were from time of the last Census across the the white (including Irish Traveller) seven electoral wards within Slieve ethnic group. Gullion District Electoral Area (DEA) – Bessbrook, Camlough, Language Crossmaglen, Forkhill, Mullaghbane, 2.28% did not have English as their Newtownhamilton and Whitecross.5 first language. The most common Estimates in January 2020 indicate languages after English were Polish that the population of Slieve Gullion and Lithuanian. 22.75% had some has increased to 30,330 people.6 knowledge of Irish. Council and DEA maps are attached at Appendix F. Age The average age of the population was 33 years. 25.43% were aged Policing in South Armagh under 16 years and 11.27% were is organised on the basis of aged 65 and over. the localities of Crossmaglen (ward population 2,665 across Gender 967 households, 2011) and 49.90% of the usually resident Newtownhamilton, encompassing population were male and 50.10% the remaining DEA wards of were female. Bessbrook, Camlough, Forkhill, Mullaghbane and Whitecross Disability (combined population 24,698 19.30% of people had a long term across 8,352 households, 2011).7 health problem or disability that limited their day-to-day activities.
4 ninis2.nisra.gov.uk 5 NI Census 2011, ninis2.nisra.gov.uk 7 NISRA, Northern Ireland Local Council Infographics, January 2020 6 Census 2011 - ninis2.nisra.gov.uk 8 The selection of more than one national identity was possible within this section of the Census
06 AREA CONTEXT 02 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Employment The area is influenced culturally 64.48% of people aged between and by infrastructure with the 16 and 74 years were economically Republic of Ireland. Regular cross active and 7.13% were unemployed. border movement of people is evident in terms of employment, education and social interaction. Newry and Armagh Constituency There are pockets of limited is represented at Westminster by telecoms reception in some areas a Sinn Fein MP. At the Northern and it is common for residents to Ireland Assembly, Sinn Fein has utilise southern mobile telephone three MLAs, with DUP and SDLP networks.11 The local road network each returning one MLA for the is primarily comprised of ‘B’, ‘C’ constituency area. In Newry, and unclassified roads with 39 Mourne and Down District Council, border crossing points.12 There are Slieve Gullion DEA is currently only two ‘A’ class roads. The A1 on represented by five Sinn Fein, one the eastern boundary of the DEA Ulster Unionist and one SDLP local is a major route included in the councillors. Northern Ireland Strategic Road Network providing transit between the south of Ireland and Newry city. South Armagh is home to the Ring The A37 is a 3.4 mile section of of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding road which runs through the village Natural Beauty, and as such is a key of Cullaville approximately 2 miles tourist asset for Northern Ireland.9 south of Crossmaglen, located at The Regional Development Strategy the southern border of the DEA. in Northern Ireland, which sets This connects the N53, the Republic out the long term vision on the of Ireland’s national secondary future development of Northern road network, between Dundalk in Ireland up until 2035, identifies the County Louth and Castleblaney in Ring of Gullion as one of only nine County Monaghan. A seamless cross strategic natural resources.10 The border policing model is required area has much to offer, now and in in order to effectively prevent harm the future. The policing approach in communities, bring offenders to should complement and enhance justice and reduce risk to police local development and prosperity. officers.
9 Department of Environment, December 1991 10 Newry, Mourne and Down Development Plan 2030, Preferred Options Paper, June 2018 11 Information from – Police Consultation; Newry, Mourne and Down Development Plan 2030; Observation 12 Border Crossing Points 9A – 41, Police Srvice of Northern Ireland ESRI Mapping
AREA 07 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The Northern Ireland Multiple are ranked at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and Deprivation Measure 2017 13th out of 890 comparative areas assesses standards of living and in Northern Ireland in relation prosperity in communities, taking to income deprivation. The CPI into consideration factors such Report emphasises that, “economic as income, employment, health, inequality ha[s] a particularly strong education, access to services, association with criminality” and that living environment and crime and “economic conditions have served disorder.13 Within this Measure, as a leading and robust predictor the localities of Creggan, Forkhill, of conflict throughout quantitative Silver Bridge and Newtownhamilton literature on political violence”.16 feature within the top 25% of areas of deprivation in Northern Ireland. Crossmaglen is ranked within The socio-economic context the top 10%, making it the most impacts on community wellbeing deprived area in Newry, Mourne and and is therefore very relevant to Down District. our policing with the community approach. Investment and a focus on partnership interventions is Additionally, four out of the required to support community top five most income deprived infrastructure. areas across Northern Ireland are situated in South Armagh.14 Levels of relative poverty experienced in South Armagh are reinforced by the findings of the Community Prioritisation Index (CPI) 2017. This research aims to engage disenfranchised groups who have little or no relationship with the police or other social partners in order to promote social cohesion. Localities within electoral ward areas of Mullaghbane,15 Forkhill, Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton
13 www.nisra.gov.uk 14 Creggan #1, Forkhill 2 #2, Silver Bridge 1 #3 and Crossmaglen #5 15 Creggan and Silver Bridge 1 16 CPI Report 2017, Dr Kevin Cunningham Ireland Links with Police Srvice of Northern Ireland, January 2018, Page 312
08 AREA CONTEXT 02 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Crime and Reporting 17
17 Data in this section is informed by an analysis report produced for the South Armagh Review by South Area Analysis Unit, June 2020
CRIME AND REPORTING 09 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Reactive policing demand in Over the last fi ve years there the area is low. Underreporting, has been an upward trend in the associated with low levels of trust number of calls for service received and confi dence in local policing, is in South Armagh, consistent with an issue that was acknowledged patterns across both D District by both internal and external and the Service. The daily average stakeholders during consultation. number of calls for service stands at 15.39 with 14.8 of these received from the Newtownhamilton local “9 out of 10 people won’t ring policing area and only 1.21 from the police as they either won’t turn up Crossmaglen local policing area. or won’t get back to give answers.” - Elected Representative Within these fi gures, an average of 0.53 emergency calls are received “People would have a break in by Newtownhamilton and 0.03 by and wouldn’t report it. This is local Crossmaglen each day. people, not republicans. There is no credibility there.” Between 2015 and 2020 - Local Representative Crossmaglen has experienced a fall in the number “I hear all the time, there is no point of calls for service. in ringing police. If you don’t catch them at the time, they are away.” - Elected Representative
Calls for Service
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 4693 460 5153
2016/17 4962 405 5367
2017/18 5053 397 5450
2018/19 5507 509 6016
2019/20 5701 438 6139
Total 25916 2209 28125
10 CRIME AND REPORTING POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Emergency Calls
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 241 15 256
2016/17 125 14 139
2017/18 143 8 151
2018/19 155 7 162
2019/20 305 16 321
Total 969 60 1029
Calls that Required a Response
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 3243 272 3515
2016/17 3057 251 3308
2017/18 2896 215 3111
2018/19 3063 296 3359
2019/20 3944 297 4220
Total 16203 1310 17513
CRIME AND REPORTING 11 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Over the last fi ve years, South 91.8% of all crime in South Armagh Armagh has accounted for 12.6% is reported as occurring outside of of all crime in D District with an the Crossmaglen local policing area. average daily crime level of 2.86 crimes (2.63 in Newtownhamilton and 0.23 in Crossmaglen).18
Crime
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 1052 110 1162
2016/17 957 81 1038
2017/18 847 57 904
2018/19 928 98 1026
2019/20 1020 83 1103
Total 4804 429 5233
The following crime types occur Armagh. 93.1% of reported burglary at a higher rate than the 12.6% in South Armagh occurred in overall contribution to the District Newtownhamilton area. crime rate: theft/burglary (21.9%), Dangerous driving is the most miscellaneous crimes against prevalent offence type within the society (19.1%)19, drug offences ‘miscellaneous crimes against (17.2%), possession of weapons society’ category. This accounts offences (16.9%) and sexual for 24.1% of all dangerous driving offences (14.4%). in D District and, whilst the trend has been downwards, it represents Burglary accounts for 7% of all a signifi cantly higher percentage crime in D District however this contribution than overall crime increases to 13% across South levels.20
18 This compares with an average District crime level of 22.74. For comparison Lisnaskea LPC averaged 1.17 daily crimes and Strabane LPC 4.42. 19 Includes 22 sub-categories 20 A total of 85 offences were recorded in the 5 year period (2015-20). A breakdown of circumstances/further categorisation is not readily accessible from police information systems and would require stand-alone analysis of individual incidents. Of note, 78% (66) were recorded as Niche RM occurrences rather than Control Works incidents which would indicate that they are more likely to have been as a result of offi cer detection in various circumstances rather than RTC. Of the 19 incidents recorded on Command and Control/Control Works systems only 2 related to an RTC, with the majority being a fail to stop/pursuit scenario.
12 CRIME AND REPORTING POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Drugs offences have seen a 2015/16. Numbers remain relatively signifi cant upward trend in the low and there has been a general last 5 years with 95.9% of all drugs downward trend across South offences in South Armagh occurring Armagh over the last fi ve years.21 in Newtownhamilton local policing area. During the same period there Sexual Offences have increased has been a downward trend in the signifi cantly since 2015, partly Crossmaglen area. Based on police explained by historical and large records, cannabis remains the most scale national investigations. prolifi c drug and has been linked to 81.9% of offences. Information obtained during consultation would, During the last fi ve years the however, indicate that higher anti-social behaviour trend in classifi cation drugs are a more South Armagh has been upward, prevalent issue than is represented accounting for 8.4% of all ASB by information currently accessible incidents in D District. The most to local police. recent data shows that this fi gure has risen to 11.1%. Daily anti-social behaviour reports averaged at 1.06 88% of weapons possession incidents in Newtownhamilton and offences occurred in 0.05 incidents in Crossmaglen.22 Newtownhamilton local policing area, increasing in frequency since
ASB
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 314 9 323
2016/17 409 20 429
2017/18 379 26 405
2018/19 369 25 394
2019/20 470 15 485
Total 1941 95 2036
21 A total of 74 weapons possession offences were recorded in 5 year period (2015-20). 31% (23) of these related to fi rearms offences and 69% (51) to other weapons including blade or point. 22 D District incident total 13.20; South Armagh incident total 1.11; Lisnaskea incident total 0.61; Strabane incident total 2.32.
CRIME AND REPORTING 13 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Over the past fi ve years South “There are examples of people Armagh has accounted for 13.14% with a long history of abuse from of all domestic motivated crime in a partner in this area. There is no D District. The fi ve-year trend for justice and nobody visibly saying, domestic motivated crime has been ‘we are here, speak to us and we upward (rising to 15.49%), refl ecting will help and support you’. People both D District and Service trends. won’t make statements here, Concerningly, domestic reporting in because they believe nothing will Crossmaglen local policing area has be done and they will get in bother. fallen by 52% in the same period. They feel contacting the police will make the situation worse.” Domestic abuse is an organisational - Elected Representative priority due to the harm it causes to individuals and families. Whilst relatively low numbers can make “Discreet intervention work is the scale of downward trend more required as confidence in police pronounced, it can be assumed is likely to be a factor affecting that there is a signifi cant level of reporting rates…We know it is underreporting in this area.23 happening but there are very, very low reporting levels [exacerbated by the rural nature of the area]. This makes reporting very emotionally sensitive and requires confidence.” - PCSP Manager
Domestic Crime
Year Newtonhamilton Crossmaglen Total
2015/16 138 21 159
2016/17 132 18 150
2017/18 144 14 158
2018/19 185 11 196
2019/20 159 10 169
Total 758 74 832
23 Average daily domesticated crime levels – D District 3.47, South Armagh 0.45, Newtownhamilton 0.41 and Crossmaglen 0.04
14 CRIME AND REPORTING POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Influence of the Past
INFLUENCE OF THE PAST 15 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Issues of trust, confidence and the “The heavily armed officers posing prevailing influence of the past on with the Chief Constable is reflective relationships between police and of the militaristic style of policing the local community are central that the community has had to to this Review. Media reporting in endure in recent years... We need December 2019 and January 2020 a new chapter for policing in South pointed to a disconnect between Armagh. We need an end to fortified the style and tone of policing police stations, heavily armed delivery and the expectations of officers and poor response levels. the public. The prevalent message We need a police service that serves was a criticism of a militaristic the interests of this community in police culture which, “strongly an efficient, effective and respectful emphasise[s] the past rather than manner.”26 the future of policing in the border region”.24 The terms ‘offensive’ SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne and ‘hurtful’ were printed across reinforced these sentiments and multiple publications. Crossmaglen commented on the social media residents interviewed by the Belfast post as a, “deliberate attempt to Telegraph in December 2019 set Crossmaglen and South Armagh described the present relationship as a place apart…Language and between PSNI and local residents images like this flies in the face of as ‘distant’. The Police Service was the positive work that has been criticised for, “continuing to treat achieved.”27 the area as a militarized zone where community policing is practically non-existent….You see little effort of Local police representatives actual policing on the ground…It’s no emphasised the uniqueness of different here than anywhere else. the policing environment in South Acting as if it’s a military operation is Armagh. The generally accepted not the policing operation you want organisational position was that to see, it’s totally uncalled for.”25 the style of policing delivery was necessary and proportionate to keep officers safe from a severe Elected representatives were vocal terrorist threat. Security measures, in supporting this perspective and as pictured in the social media post, in advocating for change. Sinn Fein reflected the realities of policing in MLA Conor Murphy was quoted, a high threat environment.
24 Chief ought to reflect on his choice of imagery, Irish News, 28/12/2019 25 NI police chief’s Christmas gun photo totally uncalled for: Crossmaglen residents, Belfast Telegraph, 28/12/2019 26 ‘Offensive’: PSNI Chief criticised over photo, Irish Independent, 27/12/2019 27 Nationalists slam PSNI Chief’s offensive festive tweet from Crossmaglen, Belfast Telegraph, 27/12/2019
16 INFLUENCE OF THE PAST POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Formal reporting at local, In the past South Armagh was a departmental and organisational dangerous place to police. It has level reflects this perspective: been described as, “one of the major battle fields between the IRA and “Policing this area is challenging British Army”.30 The term ‘Bandit and it has already seen immense Country’ was coined in 1975 by change over the past 15-20 years. the then British Secretary of State Whilst the ‘demilitarisation’ of for Northern Ireland, Merlin Rees policing is generally welcomed by to describe South Armagh; a term the community, police still need which to a certain extent remains in to adopt appropriate strategies the public understanding today. to effectively respond to calls for service. The severe threat from 30 police officers were killed during violent dissident republicans terrorist incidents in the area continues to place a substantial between 1970 and 1993.31 123 British burden on policing delivery.” soldiers, 75 members of the public - Local Policing Team Report, and 10 members of the Provisional July 2019 IRA South Armagh Brigade also lost their lives between 1970 and 1997.
“A level of normalisation and high 1,255 bombings and 1,158 shootings visibility policing takes place were recorded within a ten mile where the opportunities present, radius of the geographic centre according to an assessment of of South Armagh in the same risk.” 28 period.32 As a consequence, South - Policing with the Community Branch, Armagh was heavily fortified July 2019 with military infrastructure which was inextricably associated with policing. “The style of policing is different to anywhere else in the UK…There is a continuing need for PSNI to Local residents interviewed in 2019 take additional security precautions regarding their recollection of the when conducting patrols in some era described it as, “the most surreal 29 border areas” place to live…the effect on daily life - Senior briefing on policing implications was stifling”.33 of EU Exit, November 2019
28 DPC High Visibility – Good Practice Study, July 2019 29 EU Exit Briefing Paper, 02/11/2019 30 The surreal reality of life in ‘the most militarised area of western Europe’, thejournal.ie, 09/02/2019 31 South Armagh Report for Chief Constable History of Attacks, T/Inspector NPT, 01/01/2020 32 Wikipedia, accessed 10/09/2020 33 The surreal reality of life in ‘the most militarised area of western Europe’, thejournal.ie, 02/09/2019
INFLUENCE OF THE PAST 17 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
In an article in 2019, a local former The potential implications of the footballer from Crossmaglen UK’s exit from the European Union Rangers Gaelic Athletic Club on the Irish/Northern Irish border (GAC), reflected on his memories of have received significant national growing up in Crossmaglen during and regional news coverage the Troubles, drawing parallels with since 2016. 62.9% of voters in the situation in Gaza and the West Newry and Armagh constituency Bank and highlighting the trauma voted Remain in the 2016 EU Exit implications of growing up in a Referendum.Local concerns about conflict environment,“intimidation future policing arrangements was an everyday reality for us”.34 associated with a hard border result in inevitable and unhelpful The historic view of policing was associations with the past. At the confirmed during consultation,“The same time, uncertainty within RUC were just not acceptable to [the policing over the future implications people of South Armagh] as a police of EU Exit has arguably resulted in a service.”35 reluctance to make changes to the local policing model in recent years. The continued impact and emotional legacy that the trauma of the past has on the local community and police consciousness should not be underestimated. “There is a lot of hurt in the community.”36 This continues to influence relationships of trust and confidence today and should therefore be an important factor in policy and decision making going forward.
34 Intimidation and checks: My trip to Palestine brought back memories of Crossmaglen during the Troubles, Oisín McConville, Cross GAC, thejournal.ie, 21/12/2019 35 Elected Representative 36 Community Worker
18 INFLUENCE OF THE PAST POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Policing Developments 2005-2020
POLICING DEVELOPMENTS 19 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Demilitarisation, following the Resourcing ranged from 1-4 vehicles 1998 Good Friday Agreement, depending on a risk assessment happened later in South Armagh which was primarily influenced by than elsewhere in Northern Ireland. geographical location. Terrorist The last of the military security activity was acknowledged as infrastructure was withdrawn having, “the potential to seriously from Crossmaglen Police Station impact the ability to sustain and in February 2007 with routine progress the strategy.”39 military support officially withdrawn in June 2007. Prior to that time, The prevailing context of a high policing delivery in the area was threat from dissident republican supported by 450 soldiers, military activity in the area had an inevitable observation towers and routine impact on progress. A number of military helicopter support. The explosive devices, shootings and post-conflict policing transition had attacks on police stations were commenced in 2005 and formally experienced between 2009-2010 continued until 2013, managed and 2012-2013. Arrangements under a Normalisation Strategy.37 were closely monitored on a daily This applied a phased approach, and weekly basis as a means of facilitating a gradual shift towards a mitigating risks to officer safety. community policing delivery model Increased resources were secured consistent with contemporary to manage the frontline threat organisational development. to officer safety and to protect neighbourhood policing service delivery. A formal Patrol Strategy was implemented in 2007, aiming, “to During a review of the Patrol take policing forward in a manner Strategy in 2013 it was assessed which delivered an effective service that, “the potential for public to the community while addressing disorder within South Armagh the challenges encountered by remains high, either in the form of officers working in the area, opportunistic attacks on patrols, in including…officer protection.”38 This response to proactive operations provided for mobile vehicle patrol or in the form of coordinated and capability across the entire South organised attacks on police or police Armagh area for the first time. stations…Personnel stationed in Crossmaglen are deemed to be most at risk from this type of activity”40
37 Internal police records made available to the Review, 2005 - 2017 38 51/1 Internal Report from Area Commander South Armagh to District Operations Manager, 01/09/2013 39 51/1 Internal Report by Inspector South Armagh, Review of Normalisation Strategy – South Armagh, undated – circa 2008 40 51/1 Internal Reports 2007 and 2013 from Area Commander South Armagh to District Operations Manager, 01/09/2013
20 POLICING DEVELOPMENTS POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Dedicated Tactical Support Group designed by a Police ServiceFirst (TSG), District Support Unit (DSU) RPA Project Team in collaboration and Air Support resources were with Area Coordinators, District routinely required to safely facilitate Senior Management Teams and the delivery of daily policing strategic stakeholders.42 functions. 26 Local Policing Centres Additional mitigations were emerged with an enhanced role in implemented in relation to tasking engagement and problem solving protocols at the point of call for that would traditionally have service. formed part of the neighbourhood policing portfolio. The number of The need to increase support for neighbourhood teams was reduced policing by means of partnership accordingly to a total of 34, with working and community initiatives a dedicated and critical support is clearly referenced, with evidence remit in areas of identified need.43 of a focus on engaging with The outcome for South Armagh children and young people. It was the creation of two Local was specifically envisaged that Policing Teams (LPT), based in neighbourhood policing activity Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen. had the potential to increase, in This resulted in a total resource the event that the security threat allocation of 5 Sergeants and 50 decreased.41 Constables. There was no longer any dedicated neighbourhood resource for the area, with the In 2015, extensive restructuring nearest of the three new District was required to the organisation’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams frontline service delivery model to (NPT) allocated to Newry. Bespoke align the District Policing structure arrangements were however put to the new 11 local District Council in place for South Armagh, outside structure, established under the of the operating model adopted Local Government Review of Public elsewhere in the organisation: Administration (RPA). A new operational policing model was
41 51/1 Internal Report, Area Commander South Armagh, September 2013 42 ServiceFirst RPA records made available to the Review. 43 Organisationally, this reduced total dedicated Neighbourhood resourcing from 697 to 243 Constables with the concept that enhanced Local Policing Teams would now ‘attend and engage’ as part of their core role profile. 44 This approach was also applied to Lisnaskea, Fermanagh and Omagh (G District) 45 This represented double the standard service allocation of 1:10. Increased DST resources were also allocated in Derry City and Strabane (1:15) and Belfast District (3:28)
POLICING DEVELOPMENTS 21 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
• A Neighbourhood ‘Sector’ • At a local level, outside of formal Inspector post was established to RPA processes, two officers were manage LPT activity.44 abstracted from LPT in Newry to provide dedicated neighbourhood • Additional District Support Team support to South Armagh, with resources were allocated, with a focus on engagement with 2 Sergeants and 20 Constables. children and young people. Whilst this was a District-wide allocation, the focus was on proactive policing delivery Despite promising progress in based on local intelligence and 2007, the increased security threat current threat and/or risk. South experienced in the period that Armagh is likely to have been followed and the structural impact a predominant factor in the of decisions under RPA resulted increased allocation on this basis.45 in a reduced neighbourhood and increased security focus for South • A small LPT was established Armagh. in Crossmaglen, without a clear demand justification. The This was exacerbated by a lack inference was that this was in of leadership continuity, resulting response to enhanced security in insufficient strategic focus on requirements in the area, retaining progress towards a normalised long-standing residential working community policing model. A lack arrangements. of broader perspectives, beyond those of local operational officers, • Newtownhamilton LPT received may have inadvertently resulted in formal approval, on financial and an acceptance of the status quo of operational grounds, to derogate policing in South Armagh. from the corporate shift pattern and retain the 12 hour/4 section The current Patrol Strategy pattern. This resulted from local documentation remains unchanged police representations regarding since 2013. There remains an the financial backfill and security absence of formal risk management implications associated with the structures and of the vision required Patrolling Strategy and increased to place community policing at the shift changeovers linked to the forefront of service delivery. variable shift pattern. This decision was caveated with the intent to review towards the end of 2015. No records were found regarding a subsequent review of the 12 hour shift pattern.
22 POLICING DEVELOPMENTS POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Current Policing Model
CURRENT POLICING MODEL 23 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The main Local Policing Team risk of attack. Dedicated security for South Armagh operates from measures are put in place to Newtownhamilton Police Station provide protection and support for with a total establishment of 4 police patrols during changeovers, Sergeants and 40 Constables. Unlike coordinated on a weekly basis by LPT provision elsewhere in the the Crossmaglen LPT Sergeant. Service, officers continue to work This involves abstraction of on a 12 hour/4 section shift pattern, Neighbourhood, Newtownhamilton commencing and terminating duty LPT and/or District Support Team at Ardmore Police Station in Newry resources from their primary roles and travelling to Newtownhamilton three times per week to provide using police vehicles. This is at a dedicated presence on routes odds with a recent organisational between Crossmaglen and Newry. policy direction which deemed that the 12 hour/4 section shift pattern was not sufficiently responsive “It took a lot of time out of the to facilitate service delivery day, juggling crews and competing outside of circumstances where demands – especially if a call came exceptional resourcing pressures in. A lot of the role was about apply. This position was primarily managing these logistics.” based on operational effectiveness - Former LPT Sergeant grounds but was also influenced by the organisation’s duty of care to mitigate the long term health impacts caused by officers routinely Air Support is also provided, when working long hours. available. Between 1st March 2019 and 29th February 2020 Air Support Unit was deployed on 45 occasions An additional LPT establishment of out of a total of 88 tasking requests. 1 Sergeant and 10 Constables work Reasons for not deploying would from Crossmaglen Police Station on include weather conditions or a residential shift pattern, accessing higher priority competing demand. the station remotely using police Records indicate that this equated vehicles from Ardmore, Newry. This to a total of 4,000 flying hours at an involves officers living in the station estimated cost of between £64,838 on rotation over a 3-4 day period. and £91,613, depending on the type This arrangement has its roots of air asset that was deployed.46 in the past and would have been common practice in border policing, Objectively, shift patterns and aimed at minimising frequency and travelling arrangements have predictability of transit and the become a matter of custom
46 Information obtained from Air Support Review Team. Although deployments cannot be specifically attributed to changeover with any degree of certainty, the fact that all deployments occurred over peak changeover hours is persuasive.
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and practice, rather than being cost to the organisation is widely proportionate to an evidence-based recognised with Crossmaglen assessment of identified risks to officers regularly featuring in the officer safety. Arrangements are out top earners of overtime in the of step with standard operational service. In a 12 month period, 1st practice in 2020, even in areas March 2019 – 1st February 2020, a where there is a higher level of total of 12,436.42 hours in overtime security threat. Senior Management were worked by officers attached Team representatives acknowledge to Crossmaglen LPT.47 This equates that there is no recent evidence or to a total cost of £254,200.43, intelligence to indicate that there is the majority of which is incurred any threat to stations or personnel. routinely within the shift pattern.48
The Crossmaglen team has very Since February 2020, a dedicated limited capacity to respond to calls Neighbourhood Team has for service or provide proactive worked from Newtownhamilton policing activity due to the resource Police Station, transiting on a requirements stipulated in the daily basis from Newry. This Patrol Strategy. Consequently, additional resource of 1 Sergeant the primary function of officers is and 10 Constables was secured to provide 24/7 station security for South Armagh as part of the and backfill to LPT sections in organisational neighbourhood Newtownhamilton. Officers will policing uplift linked to EU lead on response to calls for service Exit. Whilst this team has been in the Crossmaglen and Cullaville abstracted from post until recently areas, supported by LPT resources owing to the resourcing demands from Newtownhamilton. of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is a positive development providing Long working hours are built into much needed support to the two the Crossmaglen working pattern NPT officers who have continued with obvious wellbeing and health to work in South Armagh since and safety implications. Standard 2015. These two officers are to be working hours on a 3 day set of commended for the contribution shifts (72 hour period) equate to a they have made to developing total of 34 hours, with 16 additional local relationships. Both are widely hours on stand-by during the night. known by name and reputation; Every other week, this will increase representing policing positively at a to 50 working hours and 24 local level, with particular successes overnight stand-by hours in a four in schools and youth work day period (96 hours). The financial programmes. Working flexibly and
47 South Area Operational Planning 48 Calculated using 2019/20 Ready Reckoner, based on Constable overtime rates – Financial Services Branch
CURRENT POLICING MODEL 25 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
on their own initiative, they have threats to officer safety are widely taken calculated risks to increase reinforced. This has had a significant trust and confidence in policing. impact on the mind-set of officers working in this environment and on “In our view [their] work has been wider organisational perspectives excellent over the years. 7-8 years of policing in South Armagh. It may ago it may not have been possible also explain why policing practice in for me to involve PSNI as a partner South Armagh has fallen out of step for fear of losing other partners. with organisational developments in This is no longer the case and PSNI recent years. is seen as an accepted and standard partner agency.” - PCSP Manager Concurrently, a ‘laissez-faire’ leadership approach has developed over a 5-10 year period with The evident community deference to the perspectives of receptiveness to these officers officers who are considered to have provides a strong indication of best insight on the area based on potential for further progress operational experience. in increasing the support and engagement of local people. However, it also emphasises the “The reality is that South Armagh dichotomy of cultures within local has been left to be South Armagh. arrangements, with neighbourhood People don’t understand it and it is style policing a distinct and politicised. No one new went in and separate entity from predominant when there you didn’t really come front line service delivery. out…It’s a different world where you don’t feel comfortable. That leaves us to take our lead from the South Armagh is treated as Constables.” a separate geographical and - Management Team cultural entity from other areas in the District. In practice, it is permanently managed as an “There is a real lack of unofficial restricted patrolling area understanding of the system, the with officers outside the area not people, the place...I don’t like the permitted to enter, unless under way it is policed. I want the job to escort by local resources or in change it.” exceptional circumstances. The - LPT Sergeant perceived danger of the area and
26 CURRENT POLICING MODEL POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
A hybrid management arrangement shift pattern, primarily on weekdays at Inspector level has resulted during office hours. This stems from in a somewhat disjointed LPT the Crossmaglen Sergeant’s distinct structure. The ‘sector’ Inspector role as Operations Sergeant for for South Armagh manages all South Armagh, an events planning policing activity in the area, function retained outside of regional with cover outside this officer’s structures in place elsewhere in hours of working provided by the organisation. The result has LPT Duty Inspectors in Newry. been that officers in Crossmaglen The South Armagh Inspector do not receive routine supervision works remotely from Newry with or face to face briefing. Officers in infrequent presence at a local level. Crossmaglen reported that they did Supervision at middle management not recall the last direct briefing level is therefore limited, especially that they had received.49 as LPT resources in Newry are aligned to a different shift pattern. In practice South Armagh operates Limited training has been provided self-sufficiently, with the senior to officers attached to South responsible officer on duty Armagh over an extended period. commonly the Duty Sergeant. Until 3 years ago, no district training inputs were provided to officers Until February 2020, the two over a 10 year period on the basis dedicated NPT officers worked that changeover requirements autonomously without day to and shift patterns made training day supervision. Until December delivery unfeasible. Under current 2019, it was common practice arrangements, Newtownhamilton for some Sergeants to manage officers receive district training Newtownhamilton LPT remotely inputs 1-2 times per year and from Newry. This issue has Crossmaglen once per year. This since been resolved, however, compares with standard Area level was reflective of a culture that provision of five sessions annually had limited appreciation of the to LPT officers. Training content significance of visible support and is consolidated and condensed to leadership. align with this reduced allocation and this position is rationalised on the basis that officers experience Constables in Crossmaglen are fewer calls for service and already afforded even less accessible have the necessary skills for the role supervision. The Crossmaglen due to their length of service. Sergeant traditionally operates from Newry outside of the residential
49 Consultation 15/06/2020, acknowledged by Inspector 24/06/2020
CURRENT POLICING MODEL 27 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Consultation with advocacy Senior leadership presence is very groups reinforced the importance limited. Strategic engagement of dedicated training inputs to is primarily led at Sergeant and ensure that officers understand the Inspector level. On coming into additional complexities faced by post in December 2019, the South minority communities when they are Armagh Inspector does not appear victims of crime and the additional to have been provided with a clear barriers faced by certain groups strategic vision, objectives or that can prevent engagement with direction in the role. The cascade police.50 effect of this was noted during consultation with Sergeants and Academic research emphasises Constables. the importance of focused training on policing styles to develop “There was, or is, no plan in place the skillsets required to improve to tell me what to do or where we community relationships.51 should be going. I’m just making my own way on my own views.” - Sergeant Training and development is particularly important for officers working in South Armagh due to the “We could be a valuable resource complexity of addressing inherent but we’re not utilised. There is no trust and confidence issues. This strategy or guidance. Everything we requires a positive and respectful do is by us alone.” narrative on the local area with a balanced understanding of the past - LPT Constable Crossmaglen and emotional legacy issues which remain relevant to policing today. An enhanced focus on vulnerability During consultation, the need is essential to prevent harm where for changes in policing strategy there are additional barriers to and practice in South Armagh engagement, particularly in this was clearly acknowledged by the rural community setting. District Senior Management Team. However, there was no consensus Strategic oversight is required to on what needed to change and what ensure that continuous professional proactive steps were required. development is a priority and that a learning and development culture is “There have been failings there, embedded. failings to grasp South Armagh. It’s been waiting for some time for someone to come and sort it out, that’s what it needs.” - LPT Sergeant
50 Rainbow Project Advocacy Service 51 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018
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An enhanced leadership focus The age and length of service and targeted learning and profile is notably different than in development would greatly Newry. Only 5.66% of officers in assist officers to progressively South Armagh are aged 19-29 years navigate the complexity of the and 28.30% are aged between 30- policing environment. This is 39 years, compared with 26.89% of critical importance moving and 45.38% respectively in Newry. forward, particularly due to the At the older age brackets, the motivation, skill and support reverse pattern is seen with 32.08% required to implement and embed of South Armagh officers being recommendations agreed under this aged between 40-49 years and Review. 32.08% aged between 50-59 years, compared with only 21.01% and 5.88% respectively in Newry.54 The Section 75 profile of officers working in South Armagh was This pattern is replicated in terms of examined. Community background length of service with only 18.87% and political opinion statistics of officers in South Armagh having show that the proportion of 0-5 years’ service compared with officers identifying as Catholic and 69.84% of officers in Newry. Higher nationalist is marginally higher than proportions of new to service police service levels.52 officers would be expected in front line policing roles. 50.94% of officers have between 5-10 years’ In terms of gender representation, service compared with only 14.29% 86.7% of officers working in the in Newry. The 10-15 year service area are male and only 13.21% bracket is broadly comparable at female. This is markedly lower than 18.87% in South Armagh against overall service statistics of 69.76% 14.29% in Newry. A more notable male and 30.24% female. A short difference can be seen in the 15-20 distance away in Newry, gender year service bracket with 11.32% representation is broadly consistent in South Armagh against 1.59% in with organisational levels at 70.59% Newry.55 to 29.41%.53 No female officers are attached to Crossmaglen LPT.
52 Community Background Catholic: 39.62% South Armagh/31.13% Service. Political Opinion Nationalist: 5.66% South Armagh/4.44% Service 53 Source: PSNI Equality and Diversity Unit 54 Source: PSNI Equality and Diversity Unit 55 Source: Workforce Planning 29/02/20
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These differences are likely to be There were mixed views within the pertinent to officer perceptions and management team with indications experiences of the area, limiting the that the extent of the age/service diversity of perspectives available. profile difference and potential This has, however, been confirmed impact of this on outlook and as a conscious leadership decision approach may not have been fully with a local policy that probationary appreciated. officers should not be allocated to work in South Armagh stations due to their inexperience and the perceived lack of development potential in the area.
Concern about the service profile and its impact on policing culture today was the subject of comment by an elected representative, “The reality is that the personnel now is still made up of guys who were there in the 80s and 90s.” Whilst this is not an accurate assessment, it provides evidence of community perceptions of local policing.
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Performance
PERFORMANCE 31 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
In the context of building trust and Crime outcome rates for Slieve confidence, the need to continually Gullion DEA in 2019/20 were demonstrate effectiveness is broadly comparable with District crucial. There is limited evidence standards, at 20.1% to 22.6% of an effective performance culture respectively.56 Outcome rates or meaningful accountability across teams vary significantly; structures at District or local level. Crossmaglen LPT 5.4%, This includes a lack of governance Newtownhamilton 19.2% and structures to link available Newtownhamilton NPT 46.8%.57 performance measurements to community related outcomes or Organisationally, the expectation to inform activity and improve. is that 90% of calls for service There is also a lack of alignment to will be attended within Service visibility, engagement or confidence Level Agreement timeframes of 15 building. minutes for emergency incidents and 60 minutes for non-emergency incidents. In a 12 month period “South Armagh is monitored as June 2019 – May 2020, attendance an entity…It is a different policing times were achieved within Service environment than elsewhere and Level Agreement (SLA) in 50.9% the performance culture and of emergency incidents and attitude is that you do just what you 74.6% of priority incidents across have to do…There is a certain trade South Armagh. Broken down by off with the security risks that they station, Crossmaglen achieved are facing.” attendance times in 36.4% of - Management Team emergency incidents and 71.1% of priority incidents. Comparatively, Newtownhamilton attended 51.6% “Historically there are low of emergency incidents and 74.8% 58 expectations. We are not compared of priority incidents within SLA. to District but between ourselves for consistency between sections.” - Management Team
56 Service Outcome rate for 2019/20 Financial Year was 28.5% - Statistics Branch 57 Source: South Area PQA Team 58 PQA records, June 2019 – May 2020
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Vehicle activity analysis for the By way of indicative investigative months of January – March 2020 demand, on 30/06/2020 demonstrates vehicle patrol activity Crossmaglen officers had 13 across the wider geographical area. live case files compared with The main density, however, was Newtownhamilton officers who on primary access routes between had 64. Against establishment this Newry and Newtownhamilton. equates to less than two case file Thereafter, the main vehicle density investigations per officer at any one was found to be on routes between time.62 Crossmaglen and Newry and Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton. This indicates a transit approach to Newtownhamilton LPT issued a patrol around police stations.59 total of 111 Community Resolution Notices (CRN) and 9 Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND) in the In an 11 month period, April 2019 2019/20 financial year. Crossmaglen – February 2020, Crossmaglen LPT issued 6 CRNs, exclusively by LPT conducted a total of 17 arrests one of the two sections. No PNDs representing 1% of the District total. were issued by the Crossmaglen Newtownhamilton LPT conducted team in this period. Comparatively proportionately more, with 194 Newtownhamilton NPT issued 31 arrests in the same period, equating CRNs in the same period, despite to 13% of total arrests in the only coming into existence in District.60 These figures should be February 2020.63 considered in the context of District establishment levels – Crossmaglen LPT establishment represents 3.86% and Newtownhamilton LPT establishment 15.45% of the total LPT resourcing establishment across D District.61
59 Locate Mapping, accessed 03/06/2020 60 NISRA, PACE arrests 61 HR Establishment vs Actuals – total D District Constables/Sergeant establishment 285 officers 62 Source PRIDE CMIS, 30/06/2020 63 FY 2019/20 until 22/03/2020, source South Area PQA
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Driving standards and risk of harm community perceptions of a ‘heavy on the roads were highlighted as handed’ local policing style.69 a specific issue of local concern during both internal and external 1,606 stop and searches were consultation. In a 12 month period carried out in D District between (2019/20) Crossmaglen LPT made April 2019 and December 2019. only 5 traffic offence detections Within this period Crossmaglen LPT involving drugs and/or alcohol used stop and search powers on 6 (1.57% of the District total) and occasions and Newtownhamilton Newtownhamilton LPT made 50 LPT on 166 occasions.70 The detections (16% of the District regularity in which body worn total).64 Preliminary Breath Testing video technology is carried will devices issued to Crossmaglen inevitably have an impact on LPT were used 89 times in the accountability assurance. D District same period.65 This represents personnel signed out body worn a significant increase on the video cameras on 11,767 occasions preceding 12 months where use was during 2019/20.71 Crossmaglen recorded on only 27 occasions. 92 LPT accounted for only 41 of these Fixed Penalty Notices were issued occasions, roughly calculated at in South Armagh in 2019/20; 82 by 4 times per officer in a 12 month Newtownhamilton LPT and 11 by period. Newtownhamilton LPT used Crossmaglen LPT.66 this technology more regularly, on 1,395 occasions, approximated 170 premises searches were at 35 times per officer based on conducted across D District in the establishment. 2019 calendar year, primarily under PACE (NI) Order 1989 and Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.67 40 of “The reality is that there are not these took place in South Armagh a lot of calls so there is a real with only one led by a local South opportunity to invest in some Armagh resource.68 The tendency focused work. There are no real for Tactical Support Group (TSG) directions or themes to focus on.” resources to lead on searches in the - LPT Sergeant area is likely to have an impact on
64 Source: Niche, FY 2019/20. Saturn does not have the facility to provide detail beyond District level. 65 Lion 500 Serial Numbers 68476 and 68456. Figures cannot be obtained for Newtownhamilton as they access pool devices also used by Ardmore/Newry resources. 66 Potential for margins of inaccuracy due to the recording mechanism for FPNs which relies on street address rather than DEA. 67 Form 29 records collated by South Area CTC 68 TSG x 31, DST x 6 (various teams South Area), NPT Newry x1, NPT Downpatrickx1, NPT Newtownhamilton x 1 69 This terminology and equivalents such as ‘over the top’ were repeatedly referenced during external consultation 70 NISRA, 16/03/20: April 2019 – December 2019. Legislative basis: Crossmaglen - PACE x 2, Misuse of Drugs Act x 3, Justice and Security Act x1. PQA records indicate that these were exclusively conducted by 1 of the 2 sections attached to Crossmaglen. Newtownhamilton – PACE x 18, Misuse of Drugs x 121 and Justice and Security Act x 27. 71 Accessed via Miscellaneous Reports Application
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Significant concerns were “The main issue is resource and highlighted by elected response times. A few incidents representatives from across the have been brought to my attention political spectrum regarding where complaints were raised that responsiveness to calls for service. police were not responding quick enough. There were other issues ongoing for police at the time but “From my experience, as an elected it did highlight that there was not representative, the issue of police someone readily available only response is an issue which has been round the corner from the station.” fed back to me.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
“I want police that are efficient, that “Complaints are received about turn up. It’s no good landing in after the 101 and response times… [The] two days to vulnerable people who drugs culture developing in villages need help now.” and towns is a big issue along with - Elected Representative the perception that police are not doing anything. It’s a confidence issue.” “There are community police - Elected Representative officers who work with [us]… and they are brilliant…The other police is a different story. We “Response is definitely an issue. have encouraged the Residents’ We meet police on the road with Association…to report issues but 5 or 6 cars and it is hard to get we are finding the response is, ‘not into your head why they can’t youse again, what do you expect us respond when we need them. Why to do?’ By the time they get out and the whole lot are coming together respond the issue will have gone from Newry all the time, it’s hard away. There is a massive station in to understand. They’ll come in, do the centre of town but it takes them a dash round and come out again. far too long to respond and we Anyone involved in rallying or drugs know they are inside.” sees them come in and out and they - Community Association know it’s a free for all.” Representative - Elected Representative
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“There are complaints about “We need a response within a response times – there is no doubt reasonable time when we call about that...On the other hand I you, coming out even on the same have had a number of families who evening would be good. Response have lost people in accidents or times differ and there are clearly tragic situations and they have been checks being made to see what very happy with the police response has been rang in, is it safe? Safety and support. That praise should of officers is always the answer – be acknowledged. The fact that Crossmaglen and South Armagh police are experienced as incredibly are considered more unsafe than supportive is good.” elsewhere. Checks are delaying or - Elected Representative preventing response and driving a further wedge between police and the community.” “The reason given by police for not - Elected Representative attending was the dissident threat level.” - Elected Representative
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Security First Culture
SECURITY FIRST CULTURE 37 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The general threat from Northern “You are armed and trained and Ireland Related Terrorism is have a counter terrorism budget assessed as SEVERE, a level which and this is a criminal gang who has persisted since 2009 and is present more danger to us and our reflected on the Police Service NI’s community than police. They are Corporate Risk Register. In 2019/20, fed information that the threat is so 53 security related incidents high yet we know it virtually doesn’t were recorded across Northern exist and it is having a big impact Ireland, none of which occurred on how they police – their response in South Armagh. There were no and their attitude. There is a lack of recorded security related shooting response.” incidents, paramilitary style attacks - Elected Representative or incidents involving explosive devices. No person residing in the area was detained and charged During internal consultation, under Section 41 Terrorism Act there was broad consensus that 2000. In the last 5 years there have the threat level experienced in been a total of 5 terrorism related South Armagh is lower than in searches and 1 arrest. The last other policing areas.74 This was .72 terrorist incident occurred in 2015 confirmed by formal reporting and There has been one officer attached analysis. An historic and anecdotal to South Armagh who was moved understanding of threat and risk out of their home under the SPED was, however, found to persist. 73 Scheme over the past 5 years. Distorted perceptions resulted in disproportionate tactical mitigations, bringing security to the The main threat to officer safety forefront of policing delivery. is generally acknowledged to emanate from organised criminality, associated with the border location and risk of serious injury on the roads. This is a reactive threat to evade arrest during the course of criminal conduct rather than proactive targeting or a primary intent to cause injury or death to a police officer.
72 Terrorism Investigation Unit, 2015 - 2020 73 Special Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings, 2016. as confirmed by Security Branch, 07/04/20 74 Including Derry/Londonderry, Lurgan and parts of Belfast
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Academic literature on the impact There were, however, a number of of trauma and reconciliation officers across ranks who had an highlights that unconscious alternative perspective, expressing bias of this nature is a common views contrary to the prevalent predicament with assumptions and mind-set. These tended to be habits becoming so deeply rooted newer, NPT officers or those who that they are taken for granted as had experienced policing in other normal. “After so many years, our areas. understanding of each other…too often relies on received or second- hand knowledge or presumptions “There is a threat across the shaped by trauma…Fear and anger province but I don’t feel it as can be passed down…and can strongly here as elsewhere. [In influence perceptions of the world other places] you can actually and of others...building a sense of feel the tension and I haven’t felt identity and…community that rests that here. Crossmaglen doesn’t on a stark separation between safe compare with Creggan or the New inside and a threatening outside.”75 Lodge. That isn’t a widely shared view but officers in South Armagh have been there a very long time Across all roles and ranks, the and it has been that way, almost an predominant narrative expressed entrenched mind-set that doesn’t during consultation was one of take into account that things have fear and mistrust linked to legacy changed.” of the past. Routine security - Sergeant measures within the day to day policing delivery model served to increase perceptions of threat and “Security is inhibiting the mind-set risk rather than create reassurance. in Crossmaglen and I would have Logistical concerns were expressed felt that in Newtownhamilton.” in relation to the border location - Constable and rural geography, particularly the vulnerability of police officers in the absence of readily available “[There is a general] feeling that support from additional police it is dangerous and that there is a resources. The main focus was to good chance that something could protect police rather than to deliver happen. There is an expectation visible, accessible, responsive and that whoever you deal with is going community focused service. to be a problem but that hasn’t been my experience. It is an older mentality and we are a younger team.” - Constable
75 Emotional Reconciliation: Reconstituting Identity and Community after Trauma, European Journal of Social Theory, 2008, 11:3, 386-391
SECURITY FIRST CULTURE 39 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“The last terrorist related incidents This security mind-set inevitably were a long time ago yet policing influences the approach to day is a bit like Groundhog Day… There to day policing delivery. This is is no evidence or intelligence to evidenced by police misgivings indicate there is any threat to the which were expressed about station or transiting personnel… the local community safety When do we get to the point when networks. There is a clear sense we can trust enough to act?” of community cohesion in South - Management Team Armagh. Local people are actively involved in community safety owing to long term low levels of There has been a lack of regular, trust and confidence in responsive locally relevant intelligence briefing and effective service delivery. to officers working in the area In a context where suspicion over a number of years. During and mistrust exists, legitimate consultation no operational officer community interaction and was able to recall a direct briefing. activity associated with a close Available information was generic, knit infrastructure can at times be obtained using police systems misinterpreted. rather than being area specific. This will undoubtedly have contributed to an inconsistent and inaccurate “The threats are different here. We understanding of security threats are observed all the time.” and risks. Until recently, C3 - Management Team operated a District briefing cycle to provide regular information directly to operational officers. “We are still watched and our Although this practice has been movements monitored from the suspended due to Covid-19, records square. People are getting paid to indicate that five such briefings do that. When we leave people they were delivered to officers attached will be approached and asked to to D District between January and relay what has been discussed.” 76 March 2020. The breakdown - LPT Constable Crossmaglen appears to have happened at the local coordination level, as no South Armagh officers have received the “There is still some sort of benefit of such a brief. community infrastructure that allows them to react quickly and rapidly into the area, gathering large numbers of people...” - LPT Constable Newtownhamilton
76 Information provided by Area Intelligence Hub Coordinator, 26/06/20
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“There is no doubt the Crossmaglen “We live in the area, we know how community is tight knit and can conflict operates. I can tell you [a summon to action its inhabitants at threat from terrorism] doesn’t exist; a moments’ notice…[using] what’s all we have here is a small amount app groups....” of criminal gangs.” - LPT Constable Newtownhamilton - Elected Representative
The community perception was “Nobody wants to get you…We somewhat different: can’t do any more to show our support…To us, there is not a lot “There is an active community more on the ground we can do to spirit with participation and say police are safe and there is no togetherness.” issue. In my time, there has been no - School Principal issue. We have been very proactive in terms of seeking to normalise policing.” “South Armagh at one time had - Elected Representative localised community safety groups. They weren’t vigilantes but people in the community who kept each “The people of South Armagh other informed.” deserve better policing, we need - Community Restorative Justice better policing. We’re sick to death Representatives of hearing excuses about this being a terrorist area with a dissident threat. It doesn’t wash at all. The “There is no appetite for any harm threat in South Armagh is from to come to anyone in PSNI.” criminal gangs. Police know that and we know that.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
“There is no threat in the area that exists towards you and there hasn’t been for many years.” - Elected Representative
SECURITY FIRST CULTURE 41 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“It is a myth that people don’t want “Recently locals caught people police – every society needs and is involved in robberies…but it entitled to a police force. We have happens because of the lack of walked through villages with your response. People shouldn’t have officers. They have been taken to to catch people and tie them up community events at the invitation waiting for police in this day and of the community. This label of age.” severe threat on us – I don’t see - Elected Representative evidence of it on the ground…If I thought there was risk I wouldn’t be standing beside you...I’m not sure “Last year culprits were what it is that we need to be able apprehended by local people to prove to you that you are wanted and again that raises questions. and needed in South Armagh.” It doesn’t bode well or give - Elected Representative confidence in police.” - Local Resident “Due to the geographical set up, a raid involving 10 police land rovers doesn’t work. If you come in from “We have a strong network of Bessbrook, as soon as you get to communities and this is key to how Belleeks a message will have got we move policing forward. Anything through. Not necessarily connected that elected reps can do to be a people trying to frustrate the conduit we need to do. There is police, it’s just the spread of a commitment and a willingness information locally. You have to to move forward…South Armagh understand that it is such a foreign is a great place to live with great sight/idea to see a load of police communities who all want the same coming into the area which makes it thing for our families. We need to a talking point.” work cohesively to achieve that.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
42 SECURITY FIRST CULTURE POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“The primary effect of violent A minority of officers had an political crisis in Northern Ireland outlook which aligned to this: … was to radically prioritise issues of self-defence and security over “There is a very strong sense of other considerations…One of the community in South Armagh and it most obvious consequences was is about how to harness that.” … a semi-permanent ‘presumption - Sergeant for suspicion’…The resulting impact on the culture of policing was profound. Relationships with huge “We need to work better with the parts of community, especially where local community infrastructure… ‘the enemy’ was embedded, were Groups…are community minded and infected by an almost unavoidable would work with police in the right climate of suspicion and even circumstances.” hostility...[This] spawned a pattern of policing whole areas defined - Management Team by the presumed risk of violence from specific, but unpredictable, quarters in the community. Over A five year programme of time, commitments to equal service mediated dialogues on policing and were increasingly implausible, community relationships in Northern despite formal protestations to Ireland between 1996 and 2003, the contrary and enormous efforts conducted by Mediation Northern on the part of some to maintain Ireland and an Ulster University service and relationship…Worse Action Research Programme still, the logic of security creates a provides relevant insight.77 context within which tactics which appear unacceptable in a context of fundamental trust, become acceptable, even necessary.”78
These issues are referred to later in this report, under the Engagement section heading.
77 At that time University of Ulster 78 Systemic Change in Northern Ireland, Policing our Divided Society (PODS) 1996 – 2003: 1191
SECURITY FIRST CULTURE 43 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Discussions during consultation “For the community South Armagh about the policing purpose and means so much more than 30 years rationale for the current policing of conflict – [there is] pride in area, model provided useful insight into it’s so much more than that.” the internal mind-set: - Elected Representative
“There are some influential officers maintaining the status quo… [and] There is an ‘us and them narrative’ perpetuating the myth…The mind- and it needs tackled.” set is stuck…” - Elected Representative - Management Team
“There are examples of police “There is a confrontation mind-set doing a good professional job in South Armagh– it’s stereotyping… when they come out. There was a to expect certain behaviour from a number of officers in Crossmaglen certain group.” that were passionate about the - NPT Constable referring community and doing the right to police officers thing but it always felt there was an element in the other side that aren’t approaching it from that good When asked why we police it that perspective.” way, “honestly, because it is South - Elected Representative Armagh and the ‘bandit country’ connotations that go along with that...It’s because there have been “[NPT] are all very friendly guys… so many atrocities over the years… but some of the other guys who are the name conjures up images in out patrolling are not friendly and people’s minds.” people are just not going to speak - LPT Sergeant to them. They don’t reflect what the community want police to be.” - Elected Representative There is a fundamental issue regarding the police mind-set and culture at both a local and organisational level, which must be purposefully addressed as the basis for meaningful change.
44 SECURITY FIRST CULTURE POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Style and Tone of Delivery
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 45 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Academic research conducted in “The feedback we get is clear collaboration with Police Scotland – [they are] not happy with the on the effect of enforcement- policing style as it is over the top... orientated and engagement- They are right when they say, ‘we orientated methods of visible are policed differently’. This can be policing on public confidence found seen in the scale of resources and that the style of policing has serious operations...The conditions are right implications for police community to make a change.” relationships and in how police are - Chief Inspector viewed and engaged locally.
It was also accepted, to varying Repeated use of enforcement- degrees, that current arrangements based styles have a negative impact were inhibiting service delivery and on police community relations progress. by increasing mistrust and acting as a barrier to engagement, “I accept maybe we haven’t gone whilst familiarity and positive far enough despite our attempts.” communication can enhance public - Chief Inspector confidence.79
There was general acknowledgement by local officers that local community representatives had for some time been dissatisfied with the style, tone and proportionality of policing methods.
79 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018
46 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“The policing of this area should “I do recognise that there may be no different to that of other be incidents where you need that areas across the North. This type of level of resource but it also has to response is a fundamental barrier be a measured approach. It is hard to reducing the deficit of trust and to explain the current approach… building confidence in the PSNI in There needs to be a valid reason South Armagh.” and where there is such a reason - PCSP Independent Member then there needs to be community engagement and communication to explain this.” - Elected Representative “They are still following the policing model that was always there. It may have been difficult to transform from a paramilitary police force “There definitely should be more to a community police force. It is community policing and less still the same, the model is still the security, I just do not see the same.” justification for it...When was the - Elected Representative last attack on an officer or a station in the area? School children have no living memory but still a hell of a “…It is my job to build confidence budget spent in the wrong places.” and trust in PSNI given the history. - Elected Representative Today they come in hard cars, heavily armed, into heavily fortified bases. They are still policing from outside the area. It is hard to get through to people that things have changed when visually not a lot has.” - Elected Representative
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 47 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Resourcing and “Travelling with four cars in convoy Patrolling is no good. It actually puts people at risk and goes against us in The current Patrol Strategy community meetings.” stipulates an 8 officers/4 vehicle - Sergeant patrol attendance at even routine calls for service in some areas. This is decided primarily on the basis “Two Neighbourhood Constables of a risk assessment influenced by go to events on their own. In Keady, the location of call for service. In a couple of miles away, they are basic terms, incidents further south, going to calls in one car.” in closer proximity to the border, - Chief Inspector receive increased resource. The style and tone can be perceived as “unapproachable and intimidating”80 “South Armagh may have a one with convoys of armoured vehicles size fits all approach… the default the predominant visible police patrolling position needs to be presence. The coordination of this more responsive and agile to resource inevitably results in delays change. The security environment in attendance, with an impact on can override everything and in the perceptions of responsiveness and end it takes us a step back.” effectiveness. - Superintendent
The proportionality of tactics was questioned during consultation:
“It should not look like a convoy of armoured cars. There is a military tone from the past and elements of that style of policing which can be seen in the convoy of armoured cars.” - Sergeant
80 LPT Inspector, Newry
48 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
There was a pragmatic approach “We have informal authority to go taken by many in relation to the out on our own without the support potential for reduction: of Newtownhamilton. Locals are happier with this, they tighten up “We could have a lesser footprint when four cars arrive and will make at call attendance but with the comment.” reassurance of support nearby.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen - Chief Inspector
Some officers, however, argued that “In my opinion it is time for a the increased resourcing model was review of the 4-car patrol policy… both pragmatic and proportionate: One should attend with the others a kilometre or two away.” “The day it goes wrong, it goes - Sergeant massively wrong. Locals are capable when they want to get someone.” “Ideally want four cars but - LPT Constable Crossmaglen achievable with two.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen “Four car patrolling…is appropriate for attending calls when it would “Comfortable with two the majority be easy to stage an attack… of the time, depends on the time of Impromptu patrolling should be two day, location or inconsistencies in cars…assuming the officers know the report.” the area, know their limitations, know where the border is and - LPT Constable Crossmaglen acknowledge that back-up, should something go wrong, is at least 30 minutes away.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 47 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“… [T]here is more opportunity to “Big operations with the helicopter catch people…[W]e can have most feed into the narrative that we are routes covered with stinger points a place apart – it’s heavy handed. etc. Really important otherwise you People either see that or nothing. lose people over the border.” Where is the day to day policing?” - LPT Constable Newtownhamilton - Elected Representative
Community representatives did not “We don’t have passing patrols agree: here unless they are going to raid a house. Then you see about eight “When you do respond it is in cars loads together and you can a counter-insurgency style with normally tell what house they are a 4-car convoy and helicopter going to.” support. There is no community - Elected Representative safety focus and it is a fundamental deficit.” - Elected Representative “If your visibility looks militaristic then this will create even greater resistance to communicating or “My observation is that policing having police at the house. Even could and should be better…Police recently at attempted burglaries, arrive in this area in convoy and householders wouldn’t phone leave in convoy very shortly after police. I advised them to but they that. I know there are difficulties point blank refused because they but I would like to think we have would not have an officer at or left a lot of stuff behind us…3-4 anywhere around their door.” heavily armoured cars drive up to - Elected Representative the barracks and drive out. It’s not good policing. ” - Local Resident “If we don’t move from the military policing we won’t ever get the community on board.” - Local Representative “When I first started…I thought nothing of bringing police to an event…Police arrived in convoy and held a check point outside the community centre…The reaction was very hostile…I haven’t really worked with police since because it is counterproductive to the work I am trying to do.” - Youth Worker
50 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Visibility “We want the same policing that people in Belfast, Newry or Derry An academic research study get…It’s not a case of them being on visible policing provides happy with [visible policing], they evidence that officers on foot are demanding it.” and bicycle patrol are perceived - Elected Representative as more approachable, friendly and accountable than those in cars. Evidence indicates that this “At least be there, be visible…My approach allows them to gather children wouldn’t know what a more in-depth knowledge regarding policeman or woman looks like.” crime and criminal behaviour on - Elected Representative their ‘beat’. Local knowledge assists police officers to make the correct “If you were in liveried cars and decisions for each context thereby white shirts I don’t see how the assisting officers to address local community would be against that. 81 needs. It would appear more natural as a force there to assist the community rather than the paramilitary style During consultation, the visibility that you have now…When an of police uniforms, vehicles and ambulance arrives in the area you patrolling emerged as an issue know it is an ambulance and the of significant concern, provoking same applies to fire service and strong reaction both internally and water service branded vehicles...You externally. can still see from a distance that it is a police car but there will be no sign or markings. I think that would “Visibility and presence is critical help things…For me normal policing to knowing what is going on in a would be cycling around Slieve community. The quality of contact Gullion interacting with tourists, and positive experiences are key, standing in Jonesborough having along with appropriate use of a conversation whilst dressed discretion.” normally as a civil servant.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
“We want to see police on the “[We] need police visible and ground but we want to see proper present. There is almost a call to policing. If we could get away from arms feeling in the community the 3-4 cars. If 2 or 3 police officers because PSNI aren’t doing what could walk up the street.” they need to do.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
81 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018:2
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 51 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“I see police around in their cars, “A community presence is needed they would be spinning about. You in a lot of villages, at least the odd would very seldom see them on time. Even just walking or driving foot, it’s not safe… [Marked cars] through the housing estate. I think if would help, it would make me feel there was a more regular presence safer. You don’t know who is trying it would at least deter some of what to stop you. I would drive on in case is going on.” it wasn’t really police. A woman - Elected Representative alone out at night on country roads, I wouldn’t stop. Seeing them out and about would also make me “Well it definitely would be a big feel more reassured and that is change. With the history I don’t important.” know how it would be received if it - Local Business Owner and Resident just popped up. Although I’m not sure that anyone would be overly fussed. The only way to know is to “I do see them, but not regularly try…There needs to be more of a and not on foot patrol…I never see presence, a visible presence which them walking up and down the is not threatening…If you want to street. They are in cars, closed off show presence and feel at ease you with darkened windows… Local need to be seen.” officers need to be known better.” - Local Resident - Elected Representative
“If they are there the public don’t “Even if a police car could sit know that or what they are doing. in Dungormley estate for 10-15 They need to be out engaging minutes at night it would instil on foot patrol, talking to people confidence that police are there.” and getting to know local people, - Community Association checking that all is well – either on Representative bikes or foot.” - Elected Representative
52 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“Personally I have always got a very “Your colleagues say it’s not safe good service when I have contacted to walk around Crossmaglen and police. They have been very good… that’s nonsense. No political party [But] it would go a long way to would have any issues walking easing people’s fears if police were around Crossmaglen with any PSNI to be seen more often, walking officer. This is something that needs around the area…people would at debunked within your own staff.” least feel safer.” - Elected Representative - Community Worker
“We would mostly see police in cars “I met with [local Inspector and mostly at night. They are plain and Chief Inspector] and raised cars but you can tell they are police concern about the level of police cars from quite a distance away.” on foot in streets and he gave me - Community Worker an assurance it would increase. It didn’t happen. The community would welcome police on foot or “I’ve learnt to recognise some of cycle patrol in yellow jackets and their cars.” normal police cars. It would instil - Youth Worker confidence in a lot of people.” - Community Association Representative “Visibility creates reassurance but it’s not great when carrying heavy armoury…It should feel a bit more “There is fear in the community so like the mainland. I don’t think anything that can be done to show that is possible here from a safety proactivity is vitally important. If perspective although it would the community feel they don’t see create a safer impression of police it and it’s not happening then it’s an and the area. The current physical issue.“ presence does have an impact.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 53 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The predominant officer perspective “If you turned up in a yellow coat was, however, risk averse and comments would probably be made demonstrated considerable – it’s a culture, a different place. resistance to the concept of I don’t have an issue wearing a wearing hi-visibility patrol uniform yellow coat if a direction is made to or visible patrolling methods. wear one routinely.” - Sergeant
“It’s just the way it has always been in South Armagh. [We] don’t see “It is very controversial to be in the value. The public don’t care, hi-vis, to go out on foot, even in they are more interested in the job Newtownhamilton. It is very RUC you do. Bosses think hi-vis is more with full tactical patrols down the important than it is. There is more street hunkering down behind walls. to service delivery than what you Why?” wear/look like.” - Constable - LPT Constable Crossmaglen
“I’ve been told I must have been the “Hi-visibility clothing is only worn first ever officer to wear a yellow at an RTC when it is absolutely coat at the border. It was an old necessary. That’s just the way it is hand and he was trying to make a down here.” fool of me. I would prefer not to die - Sergeant at an RTC where there are already two long arms and six side arms – how much risk am I really at?” Other officers, generally in - Constable management and neighbourhood policing roles, expressed a different view, highlighting the pressures “If someone wants to do you harm they experienced to confirm to the realistically it won’t make much dominant culture. difference if you are in hi-vis or not. It would definitely make a big statement to the community. There is an element of we’re special about the whole thing.” - Chief Inspector
54 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The Corporate Appearance and There is not a single police branded Protective Equipment Standard vehicle in the South Armagh fleet. states, “Dress and appearance Specific consideration was given to are vitally important in increasing introducing liveried vehicles in 2019, confidence and enhancing the however, the senior management professional image of the Police decision was not to make any Service.”82 change at that time. This was at odds with ongoing developments Name badges were noted not across the Service to increase to be routinely worn by officers liveried armoured fleet.83 The despite assurances to the contrary. decision was influenced, in part, by Woollen hats were observed and uncertainties associated with EU acknowledged to be worn by LPT Exit but also by a local report which officers, in spite of local directions had been produced in relation to that this practice should desist. the issue.84 This is not standard patrol uniform for LPT officers; instead this The report is comprehensive in item forms part of the ‘Number providing arguments against the 3’ uniform utilised by Armed introduction of liveried vehicles Response, Combined Operational in South Armagh concluding that, Training staff and Tactical Support “[There is] no strong evidence Group when engaged in search to justify changes taking into duties. The image is likely to have consideration internal and external a negative community impact impacts and benefits… [P]erhaps due to perceptions associated the biggest anticipated cost would with the past and the practice is be to officer safety in the likelihood not considered to have objective of increased injury and increased justification. sickness levels.”
Supervisors have a key role to It was argued that there are, play in the authorisation process “better ways of informing the locals for obtaining uniform items and of [police activity] through other are responsible for ensuring that channels (social media, community standards of dress and appearance groups, political representatives) are in compliance with corporate rather than announcing activity and standards. presence with liveried vehicles.”
82 Corporate Appearance and Protective Equipment Standard (CAPES), June 2020 83 Belfast City Policing District and H District/Derry City & Strabane, Transport Services 84 51/1 Internal Police Report to District Commander, 21/07/2020
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The following rationale was Organisational experience does not provided: indicate that this would necessarily be the case, in that more vehicle • Impact limited in rural areas as damage is routinely encountered compared with urban built up to the unmarked than the liveried areas fleet.85
• Further research required to In relation to the report, “I may not confirm the link between visible have agreed with all of it but it made patrolling and crime prevention me see a different perspective.”86
• Detection rates could be severely This report perhaps serves to impacted by more overt patrolling demonstrate the influence of the operational perspective on strategic • Overkill and negative community decision making. The report’s impact due to multiple vehicle content should arguably have attendance on routine basis served as an indicator of issues in creating fear in community the local policing culture, requiring regarding serious incidents developmental intervention.
• Impact on officer safety in relation to vehicles failing to stop and Perspectives in the report were increased ramming incidents echoed by operational officers during consultation: • Discourage reporting due to concerns about overt police presence at homes “We don’t have liveried vehicles in Newry yet so I think it is a bit early.” • Increase in terrorist targeting - LPT Sergeant
During consultation, the District “To prevent attacks, even if simply Commander was supportive of stoning.” high visibility patrolling, “All police - LPT Constable Crossmaglen vehicles should be liveried but we would probably encounter more damage to fleet.”
85 Head of Transport Services, 19/02/2020, general experience 86 District Commander
56 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“There is a certain element that There was, however, support by would consider it a trophy to push a significant minority of officers, you off the road. Everyone knows again predominantly those in our vehicles anyway so we are neighbourhood policing roles: already visible.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen “People would be very receptive to high visibility patrol and that is my aim…I accept that not “For years I would have said no way. everyone would share that view. I don’t see the issue now but I’m Other Districts do it with a higher talking about the low key vehicles threat. Otherwise we are very with the sign along the side not the unapproachable.” light on the roof and hi-vis. In the - Sergeant back of my mind I am conscious of how it can be interpreted from a distance.” “Newry may actually suffer more - LPT Constable Crossmaglen in liveried – nobody stones police in South Armagh…Convoy is more visible,” “Maybe a liveried car once or twice - Constable a week but don’t keep it there.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen “Everyone knows that unmarked vehicles are police vehicles in any case.” “It may eventually be possible, - Chief Inspector maybe once a month, then leave it for a month or two.” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen “We don’t have access to a liveried vehicle but have no problem using one…I think it would be “It would be nice to see liveried encouraging for the community to vehicles in South Armagh but would see.” it make us a soft target?” - Constable - Inspector
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 57 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“We were shouted at for taking a Weapons soft skin hi-visibility vehicle out. I have driven liveried vehicles The presence of G36 weapons along in Pomeroy, Carrickmore and with ancillary kite sight equipment Craigavon. People know police cars in the Christmas 2019 social media whether liveried or not.” post was the subject of particular - Constable public concern.
Long arm, G36 rifles are routinely “It is much better that they see us and overtly carried by every – a visible footprint. It is beneficial operational police patrol in South for us to be seen.” Armagh. At Inspector level, there is - Constable a clear expectation that this policy is complied with as a necessity for ensuring officer safety. Records show that there was an intent to increase the use of liveried A ‘Kite’ is a military standard night police vehicles and the visibility of vision sight designed specifically for patrol officers,“by the end of June short to medium range surveillance 88 2010…where possible commensurate and target engagement. The with the threat”.87 associated sensitivities are clear.
It is considered reasonable in The use of kite sights is not the context of the prevailing common across the organisation. security threat in 2010 that this Only 4 Police Service armouries aspiration did not come to fruition. accessed this equipment in a 12 89 A decade later, this position no month period. Crossmaglen longer remains tenable in the personnel utilised Kite Sights more context of an enabling community than any other area in this period environment and a policing culture - on 30 occasions, compared with which promotes the value of visible the other armouries which averaged 90 policing. 1.67 occasions.
87 Email correspondence to District Commander, November 2017 88 www.excelitas.com 89 01/10/17 – 30/09/18, Statistical Report to Firearms Strategic Board, May 2019 90 Statistical Report to Firearms Strategic Board, May 2019
58 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“We are 45 minutes away from help “There was a number of police in which is why we need to be kitted Crossmaglen that were trying to up. It influences your approach.” work with the community…The - LPT Constable Crossmaglen heavily armed thing always put an end to that.” - Local Representative The community impact was not widely recognised with limited evidence of empathy with “There are a lot of barriers and local people and an inaccurate image is a big barrier and nobody understanding of community wants to be stood talking to perspective. The concept of someone carrying a submachine reduced or covert carriage had gun and wearing green fatigues.” not been considered at any level - Elected Representative to minimise the community impact and increase the accessibility of officers to the public. Such practices are common in other areas which “Interaction would be easier for the experience a higher terrorist-related community if you were just seen as threat. a police force and not as an army. In normal circumstances police have liveried cars, officers wear white “It’s more of a political thing that shirts and are not carrying sub- isn’t mentioned on the street. The machine guns and not standing on locals are well used to us carrying corners of streets heavily armed. rifles as a matter of course. There’s Even for a relatively minor traffic never even a thought we would go offence you could have half a dozen out without one. It is such a normal vehicles in a very small area. That thing for us and it’s never cast up looks like a lot of officers heavily locally.” armed and it looks like a military raid. Your image is important and - LPT Constable Crossmaglen the perception remains that nothing has changed.”
“During beats of the town we would - Elected Representative have at least one G36 although we have considered the necessity a lot more since the tweet and it has “How are we supposed to get made us reflect. Locals have never people to buy into this when it is so made an issue about guns, it’s the very reminiscent of the RUC?” norm.” - Elected Representative - LPT Constable Crossmaglen
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 59 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Community consultation would Tasking Protocols strongly suggest that heavily armed police are not approachable and Delayed attendance and serve to reinforce stereotypes of a responsiveness was raised as an by-gone era. It is the responsibility issue of particular and consistent of police leaders to ensure that the concern. style and tone of policing enhances the delivery of a visible, accessible, Tasking protocols in South Armagh responsive and community focused do not conform to standard service. This requires oversight organisational processes, performed and direction on the purpose, by Contact Management Centre proportionality and justification (CMC). CMC staff do not directly for the overt carriage of long arm assign resource to incidents and weapons. instead refer incidents by telephone to the South Armagh Duty Sergeant for review and direction. This “We have been questioning whether results in delay in attendance long arms are in fact a necessity. and duplication of checks and Before Christmas we didn’t leave verification. Incidents reviewed the station without them, now there indicated repeat telephone contact is an openness to not having to… with reporting persons to confirm The concern is the image it presents and re-verify details, with a in a public facing role.” negative impact on responsiveness - NPT Constable to identified risk in emergency incidents. “[We] don’t need long arms in South Armagh, especially if you consider the purpose of this type of “Sergeants are not reluctant weapon.” to respond but it’s fair to say it - Chief Inspector causes delay. We encourage more reporting and appeal to them to work with us. They say, ‘what’s the point when it takes you so long to come out?’.” - Chief Inspector
60 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“There is no evidence to suggest “Police landing in 5 hours later or a ‘come-on’. The Sergeant tasking the next day is not much good to model slows down service anyone.” provision. The complex geography - Local Resident of the area is an issue however this is not insurmountable with familiarisation and mapping This practice is not formally written technology.” down and instead has its origins - Chief Inspector in the Normalisation Strategy of the mid-2000’s which stipulated contact management practices as a “I’ve had to call them a few times risk mitigation factor for attendance and they have been out very at incidents. This incorporated promptly. They know I’m legit. I deference to the experience of local would only ring if I really needed officers to determine resourcing and help and they are there to help us.” to resolve incidents by telephone - Local Business Owner and Resident or police station attendance rather than face to face at the point of need. The influence of this “Operational response to crime on contemporary practice was in South Armagh in the past has reinforced by Newtownhamilton been delayed and when it is acted LPT officers who commented on upon, the response is that of a the ease of transition to Covid- counterinsurgency orientated restrictions due to the amount of police force…the community work that they routinely managed in South Armagh say this is over the phone rather than in antagonistic, at best. Instead of this people’s own homes. kind of response there should be a community safety, human rights orientated police service at its “It takes some time for anyone to core.” come out, if at all. They prefer to do their dealings over the phone - PCSP Independent Member rather than come out. If you have been broken into it is a major thing and you want to see someone personally. In my own experience of having a break in on a Friday night I didn’t see police out until Saturday afternoon.” - Local Business Owner and Resident
STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY 61 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
In the context of persistent “It really depends on who is on the under-reporting, the service- control desk and whether they have user experience must be both enough experience of the area.” responsive, reassuring and - Chief Inspector empathetic. Incidents which were reviewed provided indications of concern regarding the quality “We can often verify the call from of contact and explanation of local knowledge or by calling local process during calls for service. To contacts known to us close by.” achieve an outcome of increased - LPT Constable Crossmaglen reporting in the longer term, the initial point of contact needs to be more responsive to build end- Work is needed to develop more to-end confidence in our service productive working relationships and demonstrate that we care, we between CMC and South listen and we act. This requires Armagh personnel. Increased us to take every opportunity to information sharing and formal engage and interact directly with lines of communication may those who seek our help. This may promote reassurance regarding require consideration of a bespoke organisational verification and call resolution policy to maximise tasking processes to ensure that relationship building by direct appropriate levels of professional engagement. respect are afforded to the Contact Management function. It may also assist contact management staff to Internally there was a lack of reassure callers from South Armagh confidence in, and respect for, CMC at the first point of contact. Dispatchers and understanding of the processes and protocols which they follow:
“People have no idea in call handling and they would also risk sending people who have no idea of the area….Important way of giving officers reassurance – call handler cannot send a car into South Armagh.” - District Commander
62 STYLE AND TONE OF DELIVERY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Engagement
ENGAGEMENT 63 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“Policing with the community “Detachment is still there and should be the core function of the feeds into the community view of police service and the core function police – old RUC not policing with of every police station.”91 the community, but policing the - Patten Recommendation 44, 1999 community.” - Elected Representative
The continued importance of community policing was reinforced “I understand that there has been by the Chair of the Northern Ireland a focus on community policing in Policing Board in the Foreword to recent years but it is hard to see the Policing Plan 2020-25, “Good that in Newtown...it is as if nobody Policing requires collaboration and cares about us.” connection to the community.” - Community Association Representative
The Policing Plan 2020-25 goes on to reinforce, “There is an evidence “The local police are just total base to support the benefits of a strangers.” sustainable police presence in local - Local Representative communities to prevent crime and enhance community safety. This is particularly important in supporting “As an everyday person living prosperity and the longer term in Crossmaglen I would have development of the most deprived no personal relationship with areas of Northern Ireland. Locally the police service…we only see recognised and visible officers are them coming into the barracks an essential building block, enabling in armoured cars…You have partnership working and helping community officers that people to solve public safety problems don’t know…You cannot act like together with the community”92 police from the past, at the moment it’s a carbon copy of the past…we need to feel like they are our police Objectively considered, the local service.” policing approach does not align to this standard. - Elected Representative
91 A New Beginning: Policing in Northern Ireland - The Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, 1999 92 Policing Plan 2020-25, Page 9
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During consultation it was clear “Meeting once a month with a few that, apart from two dedicated reps isn’t my idea of partnership. neighbourhood Constables, There has been progress but it is local officers were not known to simply not enough…Unless there local people. There was a lack of is a specific issue [engagement] established links, even with local is limited…This could be done elected representatives and a much better and there is room for tendency to underestimate the improvement.” value of their role in representing - Elected Representative local people and facilitating communication. Local councillors often did not have a named “Police can’t just stand from police contact or direct means of afar and respond to 101. Need to contacting their local officers other create genuine opportunities for than via the 101 non-emergency engagement, not box ticking. It has line. No efforts had been made to to be better than that.” proactively engage with a new Sinn - Community Restorative Justice Fein councillor for Crossmaglen Representatives who had taken up office during the Review. There was also no established contact with the SDLP “Grass roots level engagement is representative for the area despite important.” his clear interest and advocacy role in policing related issues. - Elected Representative
“It is a good idea to link in with Feedback was also received that a others who are working on the lack of continuity at supervisory and ground and work in partnership.” senior management levels has had - DEA Coordinator a detrimental impact on building productive and trusting working relationships. “It would be helpful if I, as a local councillor, could get general details to provide to constituents. We could relay that back.” - Elected Representative
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“Nothing is ever done about Issues with the 101 non-emergency information given by local reps and reporting line emerged as a theme there are no updates… [It would be] during consultation, aligned to so great to lift the phone and have the findings of the Local Policing a positive outcome, to liaise with Consultation 2018. This was police and make it work.” supported by LPT and NPT officers - Elected Representative as an identified community concern and barrier to engagement. Direct contact was preferred and An academic review of visible advocated for by both local officers policing conducted in Police and local representatives. Scotland highlights the importance of regular community engagement, with ongoing communication “There is still reluctance for people being important for building trust to pass information or report and confidence with communities. directly to yourselves. It may be “Being familiar, approachable, connected to the formality of that helpful, empathetic, and listening initial phone call, especially when and understanding the needs of the you are asked for your date of birth. community are related to trust and Something needs to be done with confidence.”93 call handlers as ideally I don’t want to be that middle person.” - Elected Representative Local police, however, felt that they had a developed network of community contacts and an “There is too much red tape around appropriate engagement focus. contacting PSNI through [101]. It The extent of the lack of contact might take 5 minutes to explain was minimised with implication my name and confirm the spelling that there was a reluctance on the and location of the address…very part of the community to engage in basic local things. By the time policing. This perspective is clearly the information gets through and at odds with the aspirations of the police are dispatched, it may be 25 community. There is clear evidence minutes say but it’s too late by that of a community who understand stage. When it goes direct it works what good policing should look like well.” but feel underwhelmed by what - Elected Representative they are experiencing.
93 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018
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“Used to have better working “The issues of years and years relationship where we could phone back which stopped people calling through to Cross PSNI Station and the police are not there now. I I worked with the local police on have seen a dramatic change in a number of issues. Then they put this in even the last five years. We us through the 101 number which continue to urge people to contact would have you waiting on the line the police. My attitude is, if you for 15-20 minutes. On one occasion keep bothering them they will get the phone dropped out and in an fed up and have to do something.” emergency situation you would - Community Association have to go for the community Representative solution, to deal with things ourselves...it has taken out any personal relationship.” There is a balance to be struck - Local Representative between use of the 101 non-emergency reporting system by members of the public and local “I used to call 101 but only ended communication networks with up being transferred to mobiles that community partners. Frustrations went straight to answer phone.” are likely to be alleviated - Local Business Owner and Resident significantly if local representatives had direct contact options for known local officers. It is also “For an incident we would call hoped that in the course of time, 101 or 999, although the 101 is associated changes recommended frustrating as it takes some time to by this Review will serve to increase get through and if you go through trust and confidence in direct police switchboard to speak to anyone reporting. in Crossmaglen station you often don’t get through.” There is significant potential for police to enhance existing - Local Business Owner and Resident community networks to ensure that they are representative of the wider community. Governance processes should be improved with regular formal stakeholder analysis and review to ensure continued growth and development.
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“Policing is about people, working “How police officers engage with with and helping people. You will the public has a direct correlation never get the buy in without getting with, if and how the public to know people and the area. That cooperate with the Police.”94 takes a while as trust has to be the - Posick and Hatfield 2016 basis for relationships.” - Community Restorative Justice Representatives Methods should be designed and delivered in partnership with community representatives so that “Community groups have a they are carefully thought out and responsibility too, to be seen to coordinated. work with police. This shows people that it is acceptable and normal. We know the people who are “You need to look at the way to do vulnerable. I am very happy to work things and think outside the box.” with police…” - DEA Coordinator - Community Worker
The ongoing engagement focus “We are more than happy to work may not always promote desired with you if it helps. We could outcomes. The current approach to connect with you as a means of Vehicle Check Points (VCP’s) and engaging through our networks.” Neighbourhood Watch are relevant - Voluntary Sector Manager – examples: Family Support “VCP’s are an engagement opportunity where we can chat to “What would help me would be to people. At the same time I compare get a handle on who are the key the amount of times people in police contacts –who is who and South Armagh are stopped on the how are you structured.” roads compared to me – they are policed in a different way.” - Senior Youth Worker - LPT Sergeant
Engagement opportunities in South Armagh need to be sensitive to the “We do 100s of checkpoints every local history and context. year and that’s not right. The police’s answer to everything is a VCP. Is it really an engagement tool?” - LPT Constable Crossmaglen
94 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018:14
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“VCPs can appear quite The drive towards implementing aggressive.” Neighbourhood Watch should - Sergeant be balanced alongside existing community safety infrastructure which has developed cohesively “If I ever get stopped at a in communities in the absence of checkpoint, which is rare, I never policing. Police should aspire to give any hassle and then I don’t get engage positively and respectfully any hassle. They know me and we within this infrastructure with a view can have the craic.” to adding value and developing confidence. This is an opportunity - Local Business Owner and Resident for innovation and co-design to deliver solutions that meet both the regulatory requirements of “If I drive into a checkpoint my policing and complement existing heart is in my mouth. I don’t see it community structures. We should as a friendly service.” not be afraid to recognise that - Local Resident police do not have all the answers. We all have a role in making our community safer. The use of Vehicle Check Points must be carefully managed and aligned to local policing objectives “Feedback was that even the very with revised terminology, style term ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ was and focus appropriate to the local off-putting for some communities…I operating context. “In order to know there are other groups encourage citizens to engage with operating outside of the PCSP the police at a local level, officers remit. If they are operating for should be encouraged to, and the benefit of local areas and rewarded for, adopting methods responsibly…then no real concern.” which prioritise face to face - PCSP Manager interactions conducted with empathy and fairness. More enforcement orientated methods (such as stop “We don’t want Neighbourhood and search and patrol in vehicles) are Watch in South Armagh…the name to be used as a last resort.”95 is important and Community Alert is much better…they just don’t serve the correct purpose.” “Some towns don’t engage. We are trying to push Neighbourhood - Community Restorative Justice Watch.” Representatives - Inspector
95 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018:17
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“Sense of local community [in The development of trusting South Armagh] is a real strength…. relationships is key to this and If you are engaged with businesses, requires dedicated focus to schools, community associations redress the current imbalance. and football clubs that is powerful “If strangers police strangers then representation – you should play to mistrust quickly fills the vacuum. So the strength of those community policing needs not just to respond links.” to emergencies and investigate - Elected Representative crimes, but also to actively engage communities, getting to know people and helping to solve their problems. There is also room for improvement If the only time you see police in in the regularity, meaningfulness your neighbourhood is when they and processes for community turn up in numbers to make an impact assessment. No centralised arrest, then all you see is a police record is currently maintained and force not a police service. It is a no one consistent approach to crucial distinction.”97 completion was apparent. A manual trawl of local records indicated that a total of 57 community “Young people are…fearful and impact assessments had been anxious about any contact with completed in the 2019/20 financial PSNI…They are not really sure about year. Records and feedback from police powers and have heard local representatives highlighted stories from the past and have a clear potential to increase fear of bringing police unnecessarily communication, both in advance into their community…People don’t of and after operations. This would know their local police here.” provide opportunities to mitigate - Youth Worker community impact and proactively manage the consequences of police 96 intervention. “It comes down to the style and quality of interaction…important to have interaction with police “Police need to take their lead every day rather than when there from [partners] and be mindful is trouble or something has gone that what works in one area won’t wrong. This can have a big impact always work in another.” on how police are received, - Youth Worker particularly in South Armagh…Small interactions make all the difference and who you have doing it.” - DEA Coordinator
96 A notable example of this during the Review related to communication regarding planned radio telecommunications infrastructure, Forkhill and Crossmaglen areas 97 Out of the darkness: policing and the death of George Floyd – The Police Foundation, 05/06/2020
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“No, [you don’t see police] really “They need to balance the ops we at all. You may see a checkpoint are used for with engagement.” on a back country road and then - NPT Constable it will just be a red light in the distance. I would know if I seen them in the area that something “We do need time and resources to was wrong…I’ve worked here for 10 do engagement properly.” years and I only know [the two main - NPT Constable Neighbourhood Constables] and that is just from attending meetings not from in the community. All the “We spend most of our time contact and work seems to be supporting HMRC ops or ad-hoc and without a plan.” conducting VCPs for cross border - Community Worker ops.” - NPT Constable Internally, there is a need to increase the value and professional One Constable working in respect that is attached to the Newtownhamilton LPT reported neighbourhood policing role. that, “we don’t do engagement”. This was disputed by officers from the same team during a separate “The current attitude is, we go to consultation, “Engagement is calls, and you do the fluffy stuff.” definitely part of our role.” - NPT Sergeant
“A lot of officers don’t recognise “NPT need to get away from pink what they are doing is engagement. fluffy things and focus on what The organisation hasn’t done very matters to community.” well to develop the concept. It - District Commander should not be pink and fluffy in any way.” - District Commander “NPT have a certain reputation that they don’t do anything and drink tea all day.” - NPT Constable
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“A lot of officers don’t want to Sergeant, then Chief Inspector. do engagement and youth work There is a whole different wing or are not interested in building of the police that are community relationships. They are not really police. Those are the ones that ideal attitudes to have in policing the people like. The others I’m not but particularly here.” sure what they do...Until now you - NPT Constable have dealt with South Armagh in a particular way – if we can get past that people in South Armagh can “Getting LPT to think and act like benefit. We wouldn’t see policing as NPT is the issue – need the right a heavily fortified thing that comes people. A lot of calls are low level into your area, says they are going NPT type calls anyway.” to arrest, don’t and then disappear and go home again. The style of - NPT Constable policing from Stevie and Mark is what we need.”98
“It’s a challenge operating in a - Elected Representative vacuum. It’s not what I expected or am used to. Our ideas on what is appropriate and theirs differs.” “The community is desperate for police to be there and support - NPT Constable them.” - Elected Representative Encouragingly, the value of neighbourhood policing was widely recognised by local community “Policing is supposed to be representatives. community based. If we have a problem police are not there, that’s the first problem. “There is a lot of appetite for - Local Resident engagement.” - Elected Representative “People will say, you can’t get police – what’s the point in even trying. By the time they get here, “I don’t understand your structure people are long gone and nothing or ranks…Most people in South will be done. They drive through, Armagh don’t recognise the rank… they don’t stop or even slow down. You have the soldiers, then the They don’t even look. They don’t bother and it’s no good…” - Community Association Representative
98 Referring to the two dedicated NPT Constables working in the area
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“[In PCSP] I was very jealous of the “Engage in community events but other areas. They had community also engage in just walking about policing that we didn’t have. We and talking. If you don’t do it others still have political policing not fill the void and police instead….We community policing. Police in heavy need more inclusive structures.” numbers and heavily armed. We - Elected Representative have yet to see community policing in the area. That is why we have a different perspective – you would go to other places and see them “Friendship building like calling walking around and involved in to houses, knocking on doors and community stuff while we never got checking in on local people.” to that because we got the blunter - Community Worker end of policing in this area.” - Local Representative “Community engagement and dealing with everybody equally “[They should be] visible and should be the most important focus. engaging with the community. We all want the same thing – a Stopping and having a chat…should good service which we can rely on look after interests and welfare and regardless of who I am and where I look to engage as the main focus.” live. For me that is the bottom line. - Elected Representative If we can get this right then the rest will follow.” - Elected Representative “People want to see presence and for police to be there dealing with the issues. The more they see police This need was also recognised by the more likely such activity will officers working in neighbourhood be prevented. A lot of the areas roles: would say they would like to see more police presence to prevent “Local people do want engagement anti-social behaviour and drugs use. on the ground but they want Others say they want to see more interaction and engagement…They diversionary preventative early are really crying out for a more intervention programmes.” inclusive approach.” - DEA Coordinator - Chief Inspector
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“We are working to push Abstraction from neighbourhood parameters. The community is roles should only be considered ready for it, anything that we do.” as a matter of last resort. - NPT Constable Neighbourhood policing issues should be discussed in daily management meetings and “People in South Armagh are the activity of NPT highlighted thought to be stand offish but I to demonstrate their positive haven’t experienced that.” contribution and impact on local policing. “Neighbourhood policing is - NPT Constable a core priority and the system needs to support neighbourhood not the other way around.”101 “There needs to be a recognition that there is a lot more we can do for the public.” A Performance Monitoring - NPT Constable Framework is required that values visibility and engagement in its own right and considers quantitative and Neighbourhood policing needs to qualitative indicators of success. be placed at the front and centre of policing delivery in South Armagh. This recommended shift is in line In the post-review context, a with current organisational strategy neighbourhood policing role in – “We will evolve neighbourhood South Armagh offers significant policing so that the public can see it professional development and feel its direct contact.” 99 opportunities for interested officers and it should be promoted In order to create a positive identity accordingly across the wider around neighbourhood policing, organisation. It is anticipated that time, space and resources need to developments in the neighbourhood be invested alongside dedicated policing model in South Armagh and progressive leadership. over the next number of years will “There is evidence to suggest that generate organisational learning. without organisational buy-in and Links to relevant corporate policy management support for community and cultural workstreams should be policing [as opposed to enforcement established to create alignment and activity] it is more difficult for to ensure that learning is captured community police officers to see the and embedded. value in their role. They may become frustrated and look towards roles that are ‘real’ police work.” 100
99 Prevention First – Crime Prevention Strategy 2025 100 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018:2 101 Influenced by perspectives from academic critical friend, Ulster University, August 2020
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There were indications that the “We want Crossmaglen to be a majority of officers did not fully place to visit and live and we want appreciate that police structures police to be part of that but it takes themselves, rather than the time. I don’t think we are that far local community, that may have away from police being able to get inadvertently created barriers their teas and coffees in the town. to progress. There was limited It goes back to them being present recognition of local efforts to and taking it step by step.” embrace policing, creating the - Local Business Owner and Resident impetus for police to step forward and lead change. “We don’t set the pace for change, they do – it is very customer “In some ways the community are orientated in that regard. For some ahead of the police…They accept it’s too fast, for others too slow… the need for policing but not in the There is always more we can do. We type it is at the moment. It is not do maybe need to put them under genuinely responsive to community pressure to move things on.” needs.” - Sergeant LPT - Community Restorative Justice Representatives “People want normality in the town although the issue is that they are “We do have an issue getting still not normal with us, although served in shops in Crossmaglen. they want normal policing.” If you want a normalised policing - Sergeant LPT service why are we not received normally…You need to make the first move. How can we build on that “We have to take it at a pace they if they are not willing to meet us can accept.” halfway?” - Constable Crossmaglen LPT - Inspector
“I have never really seen a police “The society is not normal either; officer in Crossmaglen. It would be we have to take them with us.” discrimination not to serve them was my first reaction and then I re- - Constable Crossmaglen LPT evaluated myself. In actual fact we are being discriminated against. We do not have a policing system that we can rely on.” - Elected Representative
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“I think intrinsically there is a “All too long we’ve been given distrust…towards PSNI and a lot of the excuse, there’s nothing we can locals are stuck in the past.” do…I’m here too long listening to - Constable Crossmaglen LPT the same excuse. It’s not up to the community to make those changes, it’s up to the police to make that “I can understand why people change. The most important thing feel bitter as we did get it wrong is mutual respect trust and that has at times and we do have a lot of to be earned. That can’t be done changes to make…The community when they are not visible in the has moved a fair bit, they’ll move if community in a positive way…They we move.” should be making themselves a part of the community…We will do the - Sergeant LPT work with you to ensure we get a proper policing system here…A bit of give and take required and some The above comments are in stark positive steps by police…I am ready contrast to those expressed by local for policing. I want my children and community representatives. constituents to have safety. It would be a lot better if we felt we had the support of PSNI – we could help “People have moved on from each other out.” this thing about involving police. Police are seen as part of the - Elected Representative community now and people want them involved. Police are quite acceptable to people in Newtownhamilton.” “This is a public service which we all pay for through our taxes. We - Community Worker should therefore expect to get a proper service.”
“We will play our part in doing - Elected Representative policing differently in South Armagh.” - Community Restorative Justice Representatives
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Stations
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There has been long term “The building itself is like a drab underinvestment in stations fortress which is unwelcoming. The at Newtownhamilton and very letters are missing from the Crossmaglen. The interior facilities PSNI sign and the noticeboard is so are in a poor state of repair and deteriorated it couldn’t be used… the external appearance is run There is a big parking issue and it down and overbearing. There is an would be a major boost to have absence of current organisational parking opposite. The one way branding and messaging, inside and system is also an issue. We need the out. room around the police station to resolve this.” - Community Association “One issue that is raised by all Representative on Newtownhamilton sections of the community is the Police Station aesthetic of stations.” - Elected Representative “The look of the station would be talked about, particularly the area Newtownhamilton station of waste ground with the bollards dominates the town, causing as the town is in real need of extra long running frustration due to parking and the space would the impact that security bollards be great particularly when the have on the two way movement community centre is running events. of traffic and potential parking I would also be very keen to see facilities in the Square. Crossmaglen two way traffic on Newry Street.” station occupies a prime position - Community Worker on in the centre of the town and is Newtownhamilton Police Station considered to be the most securely fortified station in the PSNI estate. Public access is subject to physical security precautions that are neither welcoming nor accessible to local people. The stations fail to represent a modern and progressive police service and have negative impacts on their local environment, community relations and officer mind-set.
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“Fortresses in Crossmaglen and “It comes up at every single Newtownhamilton are not what you meeting I have been to. Everybody would expect a civil, community looks on them as an eyesore and based police force to operate they are concerned about the out of. This is especially true of impact on the travel and tourism Crossmaglen – it’s horrendous… industry.” the buildings are uninviting and - Inspector there is no interaction between the community and the buildings themselves. Therefore there is no “Police stations should be places of attachment or feeling that they are sanctuary. Where do you go if you there to serve the community or the need help?” public.” - Superintendent - Elected Representative
Photographs of South Armagh “It’s like walking back in time when Police Stations are attached at you walk into the place.” Appendix G. - Chief Inspector on Crossmaglen Police Station Recommendation 53 of the Independent Commission on “Militaristic and draconian bunker Policing stipulated in 1999 that, …I don’t think the station has “Existing police stations should – changed much since Op BANNER.” subject to the security situation in - LPT Constable on their areas and to health and safety Crossmaglen Police Station considerations - be progressively made less forbidding in appearance, more accessible to public callers and “Both stations detract massively more congenial for those working from the town in terms of in them. The public reception areas looks. Upgrading the façade of inside police stations should be Crossmaglen with school art work made more welcoming, and civilian won’t do it!” receptionists should replace police officers.”102 - LPT Sergeant
102 A New Beginning: Policing in Northern Ireland - The Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, 1999
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Whilst it is accepted that the “When you look from the sky, security situation in South Armagh, the sheer size and scale of the for a time, precluded the militarised fort is a problem. I can re-development of stations in line see why it was built…can we not with this recommendation, this no review that now? I’m not saying we longer continues to be the case. don’t want a police station – people have grown up in a garrison town but for the regeneration of the town “The PSNI still operates it needs to change to allow people out of very heavily fortified to feel better about themselves and barracks in Crossmaglen and get rid of the chains of the past.” Newtownhamilton. They are - Elected Representative on still heavily armed and the Newtownhamilton Police Station general perception is that, as an organisation, they have not moved on which also indicates that the “The Giro D’Italia went through area, known as South Armagh has [Newtownhamilton] and I was not moved on either.” embarrassed. It’s as if we need - PCSP Independent Member policed and controlled more than anywhere else. That may have been the case in the past but not now.” “In 2020, a police station should - Elected Representative not resemble a barracks. That must change.” - Elected Representative “It is a community priority to reduce the station to a manageable size which allows you to feel safe “When you have guys driving and be practical to do operational into the station, a former British work out of it…No one person in army barracks, it is very difficult the community would believe the to see them any differently. It is a police need a compound of that major problem. Locally it is seen size…Nobody knows how many is as a political decision to keep the in it, but it’s clear it’s not packed. station, almost like an out-post of It needs to be narrowed down to the Empire.” make the town functional. There was a loss of land on both sides - Elected Representative on and from history this was vested Crossmaglen Police Station land taken off local families. I would like it to be used as a car park and community garden or new shop…
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You want to win hearts and minds In February 2017, a review of of people? That’s how you will do policing delivery in Slieve Gullion it.” DEA sought to balance the demand - Elected Representative on for policing against the assessed Newtownhamilton Police Station threat, risk and harm, to provide best value for money whilst seeking to improve quality of local “It’s not about having a station, policing service delivery. This it’s about having a normal and resulted in a decision to retain both approachable station. But it is operating bases in Crossmaglen not acceptable or welcome in the and Newtownhamilton with a view format it is in at the minute. The in the medium to longer term of militaristic style, weaponry and disposing with the station complex fortified bases are definitely not in Crossmaglen. No further audit or doing anything for community records of decision making has been 103 engagement in policing.” found in relation to this review. - Elected Representative Demand does not support the need for two stations in South Armagh. “It doesn’t just dominate the Whilst Crossmaglen arguably does town, it suffocates it and again is provide a better location owing a remnant of a militaristic style. to the size of the local resident It needs to become just another population, geographical location government building which is open within the DEA and distance from to the public and accessible. “ Newry, it also presents particular - Elected Representative on challenges which make its future Newtownhamilton Police Station untenable. There are limitations to the site’s capacity and its accessibility. The legacy of the “Station is an imposing structure station has an unhelpful impact with fortified walls … we are looking internally on the mind-set of officers for a more connected and open and externally on the associations service. It would go a long way…We of the local community. Despite the are two decades past the need for community advocating demands for that. We need a normal station, we modern, progressive and present need to move on. We should have policing only one respondent was in connection to the police service favour of the retention of a station otherwise it is not a service for us. in Crossmaglen. Open it up to the people!” - Elected Representative
103 Email correspondence by the then District Commander
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“Crossmaglen would provoke with probationers in Newry. They the most reaction when physical put them to shame. Absolutely buildings are discussed. It is something needs to be done…at symbolic of a time in the past and it the moment it is shocking and it’s a is so close to the football ground.” terrible advert for policing. It says - Elected Representative to the public we’re hiding behind the station walls away from you and the message is stay away we “It’s a big thing for someone to want nothing to do with the local come to Crossmaglen station… community.” they’re reluctant to be seen.” - Sergeant LPT - LPT Constable Crossmaglen
“Local people want to see a local “Backward facing, like a military station. Station, however, should be memorial. We have to get away more like a normal reporting station from the RUC past – the community with public access. Not seen locally has moved. Crossmaglen closure as a police station in the normal would be a positive.” sense.” - Management Team - Sergeant
“It is a comfort blanket. For what we are paying against productivity “It is not a place I would ever go or and community impact it is not would want to go into…We want the adding value. In general the barracks gone. It is an eyesore and community would support closure. the worst thing to have to look at. You have to ask yourself, what is it My children won’t even walk on the really there for? It doesn’t really sell same side as it - it is scary to them. who we are today.” It is not an inviting place to be. It would be better to have access to - Management Team a room hired out in the community centre or elsewhere in the town…A lot of money has obviously been “It’s there for political reasons. spent on it recently and this raises I cannot understand why it’s questions in itself.” there anymore when you look at the output by officers compared - Elected Representative on Crossmaglen
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“There is no one who would say it steel barriers needs to be trimmed isn’t a scary, dreary place. People back. Not asking for it all at once rather go to Newry. When you but do need to be slightly less stand outside and ring that door domineering and repressive places and that door of steel eventually of the community. That would go opens and you go into that dark a long way. The police stations are corridor and are faced with another right slap bang in the middle of steel door. You feel like you are the villages, dominating the whole never going to get out of there. community…Newtownhamilton and 20 years ago police talked about Crossmaglen are not terribly far shop front policing. 20 years later away from one another. As long as we are still going through steel it was played very carefully in terms doors into a dirty stone corridor. It of how the cover would look then has an awful smell. And that’s the no issue with a reduction to one image of policing that we have, station in principle.” that’s the experience…It is the most - Elected Representative frightening experience you can imagine. It’s definitely part of the reason people won’t go.” “Crossmaglen station is the biggest - Local Representative eyesore we have….The PSNI Station is a blight on the town and it portrays that awful image of the “The entrance from outside to town. We would love to see it gone. the enquiry office is similar to the No issue with the police being Crumlin Road Jail tunnel.” based in Newtown or Bessbrook and the police having a shop a - LPT Constable Crossmaglen couple of days a week to allow us to do our business with them…People believe that PSNI is always trying “Police stations are difficult by to portray a bad image of the area. nature because of the way they That was the image going around have been militarised with a ring the world, this is an awful place, of steel. Foreboding places, quite don’t come near….We want proper intimating places. I can’t see there policing and we want the same is any massive threat. There is a policing as everywhere else and we need to make policing very much want the area respected the same part of everyday life….the level of as everywhere else.” - Local Representative
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Whilst all police consultees into account the mobile nature acknowledged Crossmaglen station of frontline technology which is as an ‘eyesore’ and a number intended to facilitate systems commented that they wouldn’t want access and update on the move, a station of that type in their own reducing the past significance of towns, the predominant view was physical station infrastructure. that the station added value to the Locate analysis indicated local community. patterns of patrolling to and from police stations and consultation discussions confirmed this practice. “It provides reassurance and a point of contact – people do visit the station… Any closure of “There is a culture of going to a Crossmaglen would be political and call and coming back in…They feel a station that we would not want to vulnerable on their feet.” lose. Senior leaders have reflected - Management Team this view and have been reluctant to lose the station before now. As a Commander I think we need to be “They tend to gravitate back to the there, in the place where people’s station.” voices aren’t heard.” - Sergeant - District Commander
“Station presence is important “People do use the station…I would to facilitate engagement with definitely keep Crossmaglen. We community.” and the people need it.” - District Commander - Inspector
“If you interviewed people on “It’s fraught with danger because of the street today they would ask the geography and the border. We whether there was even anybody would do ourselves a disservice if in the station. They think it is not we closed both stations.” fully manned and therefore would - LPT Constable Newtownhamilton question why it should be there. But we need a police service and if you take it away will we have that at These perspectives seemed to be all?” influenced by the premise that a - Local Business Owner and Resident station building equated with a policing presence. This fails to take
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“The station is definitely needed. If Community feedback, however, you need police you will get them was not found to support this and quickly. Newtown is at least 15 strongly indicated that the station minutes away and that’s too far. was a barrier, detrimental to I would be happy to visit and call up community police engagement. to the station to report something. I wouldn’t want to see it taken away.” - Local Business Owner and Resident “The community tell us they would love it if the station was closed. There is no value added “[They] would not want to lose us. and historically a lot of negativity. They realise the response time from We don’t need that visual style of Newry is massive. They are happy building and it can become a target with the police and the protection for young people.” the station provides. They are not - Community Restorative Justice swamped and getting stopped Representatives on Crossmaglen every day.” - NPT Constable “I don’t believe you would [be losing anything if the station closed]. Nobody is looking in and “They want police but not the believing that if they had a problem station the way it looks. But they do or needed help they would call in. want police in a building.” It doesn’t give out that feeling. It’s - Inspector not doing anything for policing really. I understand that you need a presence and I understand in a “The Community may in fact want way where police are coming from us there as we are there to keep about protecting themselves but we things in check…without a station need to get to a position where we and familiarity there is a concern have friendlier policing. That isn’t that officers will not be present and a reflection of the police on the be reluctant to be there.” ground, it’s a reflection of how they - District Commander are attired.” - Local Resident, Crossmaglen
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“We have views that are stuck “Would it not be great to have in our heads that can never be police out on the ground in their changed about the barracks, cars – someone rings in 999/101 because of things that we have and they can be paged like the experienced. People would see ambulance service.” it as a new beginning and they - Elected Representative would celebrate that. But don’t take it away and have no access to policing. People don’t want PSNI “Everybody wants policing but out and law and order handed over policing should be out in cars or to others. Presence doesn’t mean working from a nice police station. there has to be a structure. Removal That would make such a difference of infrastructure would not be a ‘we to community policing. The longer won’ narrative… I would rather see the base stays the longer this will you there on foot everyday but have go on. Until we have a normal no station.” station to go to you won’t have - Elected Representative normal policing service.” - Elected Representative
“What’s the purpose of the station? How many stations do you need? “People feel more comfortable in It’s a question of how to best use their own area. It’s about how to the resources that you have. I get police to feel comfortable to don’t think you would be losing go there...Have a plan to have pre- [presence]. More presence in arranged clinics in locations within vehicles and patrolling would be villages…there is a need to move preferred…It would be a big step in around. Really any small group the right direction.” attendance by police is a clinic… - Elected Representative If there is a spate of burglary or anti-social behaviour in an area, go there.” “The barracks is not used and I - Community Restorative Justice could tell you on two hands the Representatives number of people I have ever seen going in there…there is no-one in it. I can guarantee you they are not there, not present.” - Elected Representative
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“The station may not make it any “I feel very uncomfortable there, it’s easier to police the area…They do not welcoming.” need to be softened but are needed - Constable on Crossmaglen Station to make inroads on the border. It will look like you are pulling back if you close a station… [You] need to Whilst there was some difference maintain a presence in the area of in opinion across the political Crossmaglen.” spectrum, the issue of stations was - Elected Representative an issue of critical importance to those consulted.
“I think there is definitely a need for both and that there would be a “Discussions need to start about very negative reaction to removing the barracks – that will open people Crossmaglen…it would be seen as a up to policing. It would be a huge political move….” statement for the community and - Elected Representative would definitely be something that we could promote as a promising step. We could use that type of Concerningly, the accessibility of change to show that this is working, Crossmaglen Police Station was also they are now listening to us. It found to be an issue for some police would be the biggest physical officers as well as to the community. aspect and that is how you change people’s mind-sets.” - Elected Representative “We spend a lot of time here and we do view ourselves as part of the community. This is our normal “At a public meeting the feedback and it’s like a second home. We’re was, ‘what is the use of the happy enough.” barracks? Even if you knock the - LPT Constable Crossmaglen door they won’t answer’. It’s so, so negative when we are encouraging people to call the police. The “We’re not welcome in their home; community think, ‘what is the they don’t want people coming point?’ which is why they come to there. There are no female toilets.” CRJ or their Councillors.” - Constable on Crossmaglen Station - Community Restorative Justice Representatives
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“If it closed what does that say to A new build ‘out-of-town’ site would the community about the reason provide the best basis for renewed for closure and the overall impact police-community engagement on policing as a result? It must and partnership working. This be ensured that a station closure would signal a break from the doesn’t compromise current past and progressive intent with a levels of service...If service could purpose built police station, which be maintained, the closure of is accessible to the public and Crossmaglen is likely to be seen partners. The most appropriate as a hugely positive and welcome location for such a site should be step.” aligned to future development - PCSP Manager plans and anticipated population and associated infrastructure changes in the area. It is, however, Evidence indicates that acknowledged that this is unlikely Crossmaglen Police Station does to be achievable in the current not provide a positive or effective financial climate. policing presence and that service and visibility can be enhanced As an alternative, the across Slieve Gullion without this redevelopment of the physical infrastructure. Based on Newtownhamilton station complex the above factors it is strongly is proposed to include aesthetic recommended that options are replacement of external perimeter explored to facilitate the closure security fencing and upgrade of Crossmaglen Police Station as of internal facilities to ensure a a matter of priority. Community positive working environment and cooperation will be required to productive community access deliver this objective by ensuring across South Armagh. It is essential that the emergency service radio that changes are sympathetic to the communications network, which local environment by facilitating the relies on the current police station return of parking and/or the two- infrastructure, can be maintained way flow of traffic on the Square. and secured using alternative facilities. Progress towards police Additionally, audits of the being accommodated in community workplace environment should be based facilities and business undertaken to ensure that buildings premises will also be a relevant reflect the current vision and values enabling factor. of the Police Service. Internal imagery should include up to date corporate branding and imagery that reflects the role of modern
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community focused policing within spaces, buildings and facades as the locality of South Armagh. well as stories that we tell about people and important events. A review of internal notice board facilities should also be considered in line with work undertaken at The current station infrastructure the Police College to replace them in South Armagh brings the danger with electronic messaging facilities and brutality of the past into the that keep messaging up to date mind-set of the present. In this and relevant. This should include regard, the question arises about a review of branding, imagery and whether the stations and their message facilities on the exterior of internal artefacts are not just a the Police Estate. barrier to the community but also for the police who work within The Review spent some them. considerable time reflecting on the influence of the workplace environment on workplace The Service Modernisation culture as evidenced in responses Plan, Horizon 2025, identifies throughout the consultation. The representativeness and the value leading academic authority on of diversity and inclusion as core organisational culture, Edgar Schein, business principles.105 The PSNI defines organisational culture as, People Strategy has at its core the “the basic tacit assumptions about principle of ‘being representative how the world is and ought to be and inclusive’ aligned to the creation that a group of people share and of a professional and inclusive that determines their perceptions, working environment. Police thoughts, feelings and their overt station development provides an behaviour… taught to new members appropriate opportunity to re- as the correct way to perceive, evaluate the inclusiveness of our think and feel…”104 Schein indicates workspaces. that culture is visible through artefacts within our environment Perhaps unsurprisingly, until and evident through group beliefs, now the Police Service has not values and underlying assumptions. succeeded in attracting local talent Significantly he also identifies to a career in policing. Insights into that not only are artefacts an longer term issues regarding police articulation of culture but they are recruitment were raised during also mechanisms that reinforce it. consultation: Artefacts include design of physical
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“The RUC didn’t come from the “Young people from the area are locality and that is still the case not inclined to choose policing as today. If you go to Louth, local a career path while this perception Guards are local people.” prevails. Until the Police Service are - Elected Representative recruiting from these communities, they will not effectively police them.” “Nobody I went to school with - PCSP Independent Member would want to join the police force. It wouldn’t even enter their heads. A [child] in nursery with my child “Traditionally people from South once said he wanted to be a police Armagh didn’t work in the police officer on a picture. It was changed because of concerns about family and taken down.” targeting. It is easy enough now for - Elected Representative a protestant man but there would always be some doubt about your family.” “You will only get police officers - Local Public Service Provider where you live when people view police as a viable career opportunity at school and beyond. “My son wants to be a policeman. I know how the people of South He knows all about the history but Armagh view police. It is a long still wants to do it. I would hope time since Sinn Fein supported that in 10 years’ time it will be police. It was a hard sell for us. It is possible for him to join the police now a long time past that and it is and live in Cross but if it is not I will still a hard sell.“ support him and I will leave.” - Elected Representative - Local Resident
“Why wouldn’t somebody want “The ideal situation is to get to the to serve as a police officer in their stage where young people see it as own community in the same way a their service and see it as a career fireman, doctor, teacher, paramedic path. Some things are beyond etc.? It is the paramilitary force that our control but it is important we is off putting for people and even continue to work and do as much as to join aligned professions such as we possibly can.” forensics…The argument against it - Elected Representative is how can our children join a force that still reflects the history of the type of police that was here for 30- 40 years? It’s a sticking point.” - Elected Representative
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The ability to attract and sustain grown up in the local area and lived local recruitment is a key long term through conflict. objective, serving as a signal of an embedded policing service which is recognised as making a positive “Yes there were bombs and mortar contribution to preventing and attacks on the station but there was reducing harm in the community. also UDR men and paratroopers who were coming out who were “… [If] a police service looks more psychopaths and who wronged the like the community it serves, it is community.” likelier to be able to sustain public - Elected Representative support.”106
Horizon 2025 also commits to the “[We] need a big gap to be put following, “We are almost 20 years between RUC of the past and beyond Patten and we continue to PSNI of now and the future i.e. an review and evaluate our tone, style inclusive organisation representing and method of how we deliver our all of us.” services.”107 - Elected Representative
“The tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable To move forward, the Review legacy of suffering. We must never raises the question about the forget those who have died or been prominent position of police injured, and their families. But we can memorials in South Armagh stations best honour them through a fresh and whether they are a barrier start, in which we firmly dedicate to inclusion, particularly in the ourselves to the achievement of context of embracing a majority reconciliation, tolerance and mutual local community to work with and trust… “108 become part of policing.
“Businesses must tackle barriers The projection of inclusivity and to equality, such as…bias (both impartiality within our places of conscious and unconscious), work and public service delivery is over and above complying with an essential foundation to making legislation, to make real change.”109 policing a permissible career for people from all communities. Symbolism is an emotive issue within our community and is particularly so for those who have
106 Out of the darkness: policing and the death of George Floyd, The Police Foundation, 05/06/2020 107 Page 5 108 Exert from The Good Friday Agreement 1998 109 Building Inclusive Workspaces, CIPD, September 2019:3
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This issue is further influenced by Police and security service the ‘Promoting an Inclusive and memorials are perceived differently Professional Policing Environment’ by different sections of the document which states, “No-one community, depending on their should perceive that particular experience and background. community backgrounds or political Memorials commemorating the opinions have a protected place in past continue to have a profound our workplace, whether by design impact on the police culture of or through custom and practice…. today. This is particularly relevant PSNI will proactively ensure that we for South Armagh where the level of take into account the perspectives police loss was great. This Review of all and encourage challenge suggests that the station working to our perceived organisational environment in South Armagh has identity reflecting the policing a negative impact on the mind-set values of public service, impartiality, of police officers who work there, transparency and integrity.” 110 extending to those who have no lived experience of conflict. Whilst Patten Recommendation 155 stipulated that, “police memorials in police buildings should remain The Review raises the question as they are where they are”, it is about whether police memorials proposed that, 20 years later, this should be located in public areas now deserves reconsideration in or key station thoroughfares as the broader interests of progressing ongoing reminders of the past cultural change, inclusion and with the associated impact on the increased representativeness in effectiveness and impartiality of South Armagh in 2020. policing today.
It is acknowledged that this issue The location and extent of current is particularly sensitive and it station memorials should be is stressed that it is raised not sensitively reviewed with a view to offend but in the interests of to considering the provision of impartiality and moving forward. areas for reflection within stations. “Positive change on inclusion can Such areas should be situated and only come about through concerted, designed to allow those who wish to meaningful and intentional action.”111 do so to respectfully reflect on the past and remember the sacrifices of those that have gone before them.
110 May 2019 111 Building Inclusive Workspaces, CIPD, Sept 2019:2
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Confidence in Our Integrity
CONFIDENCE IN OUR INTEGRITY 93 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Over time, persistent “Contacts on the ground and underreporting, limited engagement information networks make a and communication networks have difference.” had a detrimental impact on police - Elected Representative understanding and awareness of what is really going on in the local community. This in turn has had an “When I look at what the police impact on our ability to effectively data says about what is happening, tackle crime and prevent harm. it isn’t accurately reflecting what is really going on.” An academic study in 2014 - Elected Representative provides relevant consideration, “enforcement styles of policing can increase mistrust in the local “The community sees no result from population, marginalise and alienate complaints.” certain community members and prevent the flow of local information - Elected Representative to the police. This lack of local intelligence then has a negative impact on effective police decision “The view would be that the dogs making and the deployment on the street know who is involved of resources, which in turn has in criminality in the area and people the potential to impact on local can’t understand why that’s not accountability and confidence in the seeming to get through. The same police organisation.”112 people continue to be involved in the same activities.” - Elected Representative This is a prevalent confidence issue which was raised consistently across the political and community spectrum.
112 Review of Evidence: What effect do enforcement-orientated and engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public confidence? Scottish Institute for Policing Research, July 2018:15
94 CONFIDENCE IN OUR INTEGRITY POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“Drugs are being openly dealt. “The other problem is for some In Crossmaglen drugs are being reason there are groups of people dealt under the eyes of the moving about who can steal and cameras at the base. That’s just not rob with impunity. Being from the good enough and people in the area and with the history there is a community are seeing that on a perception that the reason for that nightly basis. Everybody knows who is that they are giving information they are…People are running freely and in the pocket of the police throughout South Armagh.” or the other way around. It’s a - Elected Representative concern, they do what they like. However, if I had a baldy tyre or no tax my feet wouldn’t touch the “One of the biggest issues is that ground…There is that perception in an information vacuum people there, whether real or imagined, come up with their own ideas on with most decent working people.” what is going on and why.” - Local Resident - Elected Representative
“There is a clear perception on “Community perception is of the ground that some can operate political policing because a lot of with impunity and it seems to have crime is unaddressed, particularly proved very difficult to get any in relation to drugs…There is a arrests and show that it is being car park where town and country effectively tackled.” know there is drug dealing. Police - Elected Representative don’t go there and they need to be visible…This makes people think that they are informants and causes tension. This raises the school of thought that there are others that should deal with it.” - Community Restorative Justice Representatives
CONFIDENCE IN OUR INTEGRITY 95 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“Farmers have no faith in local “A lot of incidents that happen police and feel that there is just don’t make sense – it’s ether protection being given to those sheer incompetence or a ploy of involved as not much is seen to be some description…It is unbelievable done. It is a real problem which was that some of these people cannot so bad that farmers refused to meet be caught…As far as we are with the PSNI Chief Inspector lead 2 concerned police know exactly who years ago. There is a lot of ill will.” is involved… It is ridiculous that - Farming Community everybody in the community and Representative the police know who these people are and nothing is done…it is very frustrating for ordinary people who “There is a community-wide are trying to make things better.” perspective that criminal gangs are - Elected Representative operating with impunity and this is from local observations…People on the street know who these people “Police are successful at some are, they can walk about cocky things, like mortar finds and bomb and arrogant thinking they can get finds over the years however less away with anything and they can… robust and effective at attacks Generally in the community people against the community.” think that these people are on the - Elected Representative books.” - Elected Representative
“To [get it wrong] 4/5 times it is either ineptitude or worse protecting him purposely.” - Elected Representative
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“In terms of serious organised “There is an opinion that political crime – public confidence is policing still exists and I agree. probably at zero. People have built It is blatantly obvious that there drugs empires with impunity. Guys is political interference and that are surrounding them are motivation by those outside of the arrested once or twice and then let area, not local officers. That will go. They come out in the square in reinforce opinions and make the job Crossmaglen with their chests out of local officers a lot harder.” like they are untouchable.” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
“We would give information and “PSNI are seen to turn a blind eye there would be the view that to criminality and people genuinely this is not actioned despite it believe it is part of the Good Friday being specific and accurate…. Agreement that those involved in There is definitely an issue about illegal activity are allowed to do so. how information that is passed It feels like one rule for the rest of is processed and who decides us. Stuff that you know is going on, whether to act or not act. I would how on earth is it not being dealt see that as a gap in your service.” with?” - Elected Representative - Elected Representative
“There is feedback that police are not taking any action on drugs and criminality because persons involved are providing information.” - Elected Representative
CONFIDENCE IN OUR INTEGRITY 97 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
“It seems that someone who we This issue is a cause of significant have no name of and no face for is concern due to implications for making decisions that constantly the local view of police integrity, erodes the good work we have ethics and procedural fairness. It done.” reinforces the need for meaningful - Elected Representative change to promote effectiveness, openness and accountability as the best means to counter this narrative “Who is it that is controlling police and build trust in police service on the ground – who decides?” values and professionalism. - Elected Representative
“Raises a lot of questions about trust and confidence and whether dirty tactics are still ongoing.” - Elected Representative
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Local Accountability
LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY 99 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Local accountability structures at “If you look at PCSP minutes from DEA and Ward level were found to the last 10 years you will see these be insufficiently developed and not issues on policing being raised… being used to maximum effect to again and again and again. PCSP facilitate meaningful dialogue and was a vehicle that was not very accountability between local police responsive…[some recent positive and the local community. change noted]…Police just come with statistics and the PCSP structure allows that to happen… “The local accountability structure No one has ever asked me or my is not as effective as it should be community to input into the local and that is the police’s fault. As policing plan.” a funded worker I see it as my - Community Restorative Justice responsibility to progress things Representatives and make contact outside the meeting itself to move the thing on. Police just attend the meeting.” Due to the extent of trust - Community Restorative Justice and confidence issues, every Representatives opportunity should be taken to demonstrate transparency and accountability in police processes, Whilst police reported that the performance and decision making. PCSP provided a positive and productive working environment, A formal strategy is required to the District-wide structure cannot coordinate regular engagement be expected to effectively manage with community representatives and local accountability needs in the accountability structures to inform, level of detail that is required. engage and work in partnership with the local community.
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Cross Border Policing and Community Safety
CROSS BORDER POLICING COMMUNITY SAFETY 101 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
In reality, the border increases “Cross border cooperation needs community safety risks to local to be extended. Most things in residents. During consultation, the Crossmaglen have a cross border criticality of an effective and close element and you are allowing them working relationship between An to run rampant.” Garda Síochána and Police Service - Elected Representative of Northern Ireland was agreed.
“The area is a targeted crime area “We have one foot in the North and and both police need to work one in the South so border policing together more responsively… is very important.” It makes sense to allow live time - Elected Representative response.” - Elected Representative With a total of 39 border crossing points and an interconnected road network, this is a pragmatic rather “It is totally crazy that PSNI are than political position. The cross not allowed to cross the border border location means that the in pursuit…Ambulances cross the community is at heightened risk of border from Daisy Hill to Dundalk. burglary, excise fraud, organised Rescue services and Fire do it – and rural crime with criminals why not police? It doesn’t make exploiting the border as a means of any sense…I would like to see more evading police in both jurisdictions. cooperation.” There is no bi-lateral agreement - Elected Representative between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to allow cross border patrolling or cross “We all need to be working on the border ‘hot pursuit’113 between same team.” policing jurisdictions.114 In terms of effectiveness in preventing crime - Elected Representative and bringing offenders to justice this presents a significant challenge for policing on both sides of the “Transit routes for police personnel border. across the border should be considered in the interests of effectiveness..” - Elected Representative
113 The term ‘hot pursuit’ is used to describe an incident where a suspect, being pursued by a police force, attempts to escape by crossing a border into another jurisdiction.
114 Article 41 Schengen Convention provides for hot pursuit by police from one European/Schengen member state into another. This provision does not apply to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as neither participate in the Schengen area provisions. An EU precedent may exist which facilitates the pursuit on criminals over international borders. This would however not be accepted practice by police on either side of the border.
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“There is also a case of giving chase Increased policing collaboration at the border area, they know they would also provide health and will get away with it.” safety benefits for officers working - Youth Outreach Worker in border areas. It does not seem logical or reasonable that police colleagues across the border “Concession Road, they have cannot provide reassurance and driven through police and that has mutual support to each other in to be stopped. There has to be a circumstances where there is a risk deterrent there that there is back to life or serious injury. The joint up from Gardaí. It needs to be a Cross Border Policing Strategy 2016 tight working relationship and close provides a, “shared commitment to communication.” reach new heights of cooperation in serving communities in both - Local Representative jurisdictions.”115
On this basis it is recommended “There needs to be some formal that the issue of cross border and more structured way of patrolling and hot pursuit is given interacting between the two forces. fresh consideration in consultation There should be the ability of both with the Department of Justice and forces to operate on both sides Department of Justice and Equality of the border to combat crime. with a view to facilitating this in This would have a big effect on defined circumstances. community safety...It may be political but it is necessary to protect border communities – criminals do not respect borders. The two forces need to be able to operate in unison across border areas – this is about protecting communities and that should be the priority.” - Elected Representative
115 Foreword by NI Department of Justice and Irish Department of Justice and Equality/An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais
CROSS BORDER POLICING COMMUNITY SAFETY 103 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Consultation with senior officers The greatest risk to police officers responsible for border policing working in South Armagh is in An Garda Síochána indicates arguably presented by vehicles support for developments of this on the roads, making off towards nature.116 In addition, the following the border. Currently there is no improvements were discussed coordinated pursuit capability and jointly agreed as having the between jurisdictions. Due to the potential to add value in principle: high risk nature of vehicle pursuits, the development of a command • Increased cooperation in the front and control and pursuit prevention line operational environment, protocol is recommended as a focusing on volume crime issues means of increasing effectiveness that affect the daily lives of local whilst minimising risk to the public people. and maximising the safety of police officers. • Daily communication between supervisors on resources and priorities, with increased use of the shared radio networks as standard practice - for shared situational awareness, reassurance and mutual support between operational resources operating along the border.
• A cross border accountability mechanism at local level with joint reporting by PSNI and AGS, focusing on day to day operational demand and outcomes with potential alignment to PCSP and Joint Policing Committee structures.
• Effective public communication of joint activity to reassure the local community and increase confidence in policing.
116 Chief Superintendent level
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Conclusion
CONCLUSION 105 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
This Review concludes by It should also be acknowledged that identifying a total of 50 there were clear indications of a recommendations for change. It is willingness and enthusiasm by local envisaged that this will require a 3-5 officers to play their part in working year dedicated programme of work. together with the community to build trusting and productive The narrative within the main body relationships and to provide of the report is designed to support a visible and positive policing and explain recommendations presence in South Armagh. and it is important that they are interpreted in this context. Whilst current demand for policing services does not Changes are considered necessary support the present levels of to align the South Armagh policing resource, a sustained investment model to standard organisational in officer numbers is needed practice and to build confidence to make progress and resolve and support for policing in the the inadequacies of current interests of community safety. arrangements. Going forward, this resource should work with a very Community representatives have different focus, namely engagement consistently demonstrated their and neighbourhood policing. support for policing throughout the course of this Review, with The recommendations which a clear commitment to playing follow are designed to provide the their part in effecting meaningful leadership, structure and vision to change. This positive contribution enable that to happen. is both acknowledged and valued. It is essential that community involvement is sustained and “… [I]t is important to understand further developed to ensure that that securing policing by consent local people feel engaged in the is not like many other public policy process of co-designing their future challenges. It is not something policing model. It is also important that can be done in one year and that independent representatives then forgotten about the next. The from the local community have work is never complete…Police a role in holding the Police legitimacy has to be reviewed Service to account for delivery of constantly, every hour of every day, recommendations. Critical feedback in the practice of police officers and and active community involvement in the way they relate to members is to be welcomed as the best of the public.”117 means of developing an effective - The Police Foundation, 2020 and accountable local policing model that has the confidence of the local community.
117 Out of the darkness: policing and the death of George Floyd – The Police Foundation, 05/06/2020
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Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS 107 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
01 Constables, operating variably to South Armagh Area meet local need. This is in excess Commander of the required resource to meet current demand but is considered An additional Chief Inspector post necessary to address the scale of should be added to the D District development that is required. HR establishment with dedicated geographical responsibility for Consistent with standard Slieve Gullion DEA. This officer organisational practice, Local will be accountable for delivering Policing Team response should be changes recommended under the delivered centrally from Newry. South Armagh Policing Review 3 Sergeant and 30 Constable and will provide day to day posts should transition to the leadership to facilitate a transition centralised LPT establishment to towards a normalised policing facilitate this change, providing model in partnership with the increased resilience and flexibility in local community. It is anticipated resourcing. that this post will be required for a period of 3-5 years, with initial review after 2 years. 03 Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood 02 Policing Team Revised Policing Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Model Policing Team should be used as the official team name and branding There is an identified need for for all officers working in the South increased investment in South Armagh area. This is to encourage Armagh in order to build legitimacy better alignment and coverage and confidence in policing. Going across DEA structures and wards. forward, neighbourhood policing should be front and centre of policing delivery in the area. An enhanced neighbourhood policing 04 team should be established with Selection increased hours of coverage to provide greater levels of visible A neighbourhood policing role in policing and a dedicated focus South Armagh offers significant on engagement. The team should professional development be resourced by a minimum of opportunities and job satisfaction 1 Inspector, 3 Sergeants and 30 for interested officers and it should
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be promoted accordingly across the 06 wider organisation. Existing officers South Armagh with more than 3 years’ service in Police Station South Armagh who no longer feel invested in service delivery under An improved police station ‘post-Review’ arrangements should presence and culture is of critical be facilitated with an appropriate importance to police-community transfer, when possible. This is relations. Crossmaglen Police considered important both in the Station is no longer considered fit interests of providing a responsive, for purpose in delivering accessible community focused services and and responsive policing. This is officer wellbeing. based on a combination of factors, including accessibility, capacity A values based selection process and impact on the local community. should be implemented to facilitate Options for site closure should be transfer into posts in South Armagh. explored as a matter of priority with Succession planning should be a view to facilitating redevelopment formalised to ensure continuity of and regeneration. personnel with a stipulation of a one month notice period on transfer or Whilst a new purpose built station promotion to facilitate a dedicated site is preferred for policing handover process. delivery in the longer term, it is acknowledged that the current economic climate is unlikely to allow for this (although this should 05 be explored). As an alternative, Diversity Newtownhamilton Police Station should be rebranded as South The benefits of increasing Armagh Police Station, providing diversity of officers within South a centralised and accessible base Armagh should be promoted with for policing with the community a view particularly to ensuring in Slieve Gullion DEA. All officers gender and length of service attached to Slieve Gullion aligns broadly to corporate LPT/ Neighbourhood Team should report NPT levels in the longer term. directly to South Armagh Police Probationary Constables should Station at the commencement and be directly allocated to the team termination of duty. acknowledging that the experiential learning opportunities to deliver high quality community policing are significant.
RECOMMENDATIONS 109 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
The existing station complex should Additionally, audits of the be redeveloped to: workplace environment should be undertaken to ensure that buildings • Improve the exterior appearance reflect the current vision and values and replace the perimeter fencing of the Police Service. Internal so that it is more open and imagery should include up to date welcoming corporate branding and imagery that reflects the role of modern • Reduce exterior security measures community-focused policing within at the front entrance to facilitate the locality of South Armagh. A the movement of traffic and/or review of internal notice board parking facilities should also be considered in line with work undertaken at • Create a welcoming and the Police College to replace them accessible enquiry office with with electronic messaging facilities increased opening hours and that keep messaging up to date dedicated public meeting facilities and relevant. This should include a review of branding, imagery and • Refurbish internal workspaces message facilities on the exterior of to better meet the needs of the police estate. a modern and progressive workforce. This should include contemporary organisational branding and messaging, facilities 07 and equipment. Slieve Gullion Area Inspector • Rebalance the emphasis on the This officer should perform a critical past by exploring the relocation role under revised arrangements, of memorials to an agreed space working closely with the new in the station away from public Area Commander and providing locations and main thoroughfares. a visible point of contact for This would provide a more the development of community respectful private space for relationships and assurance to reflection on the losses and neighbourhood teams. The Slieve trauma of the past. Gullion Area Inspector should be based in the new South Armagh Police Station complex, taking an active role in implementing recommended changes.
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08 09 Performance Management Revised Patrolling Framework Strategy A Performance Management The current Patrol Strategy is no Framework should be developed longer fit for purpose. The style as the basis for local policing and tone of policing delivery must activity, so that individuals and portray a visible, accessible and teams know what they should be responsive service which makes doing, how they should be doing effective use of available resource. it and that they are responsible for contributing to identified strategic A revised Patrol Strategy should objectives. be produced to reflect a changed approach to police deployment. The Performance Management Community impact must be a Framework should utilise central consideration and all tactical outcome-based accountability patrolling arrangements designed methodology within the Policing to facilitate visible, accessible, Plan 2020 - 2025, framed against responsive and community focused achieving enhanced visibility, impact. The key focus should be on accessibility, responsiveness and changing community perspectives community focus. The Framework of heavy handed policing. should monitor policing activity The strategy should reflect which demonstrates visibility uniform, equipment and style/ and engagement as a priority. It tone changes outlined in other should also provide a structure Review recommendations, notably for accountable reporting to Recommendations 10 - 20. community partners along with mechanisms for obtaining community feedback/perspective 10 on performance against outcomes. The Patrol Profile The patrol profile should be External/independent cultural audit proportionate to the circumstances and monitoring mechanisms should of report, determined by THRIVE feature. assessment, rather than as a routine security response, determined by geography.
Visible resources at routine calls for service should be the minimum necessary. Additional resourcing may be appropriate, as support, based on nature of the call for service. Any additionally allocated resource should remain at a discreet tactical distance to allow for quick response.
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11 12 Patrolling Strategy Tactical Patrolling Governance Training A weekly Patrol Strategy meeting A revised tactical patrolling training should be chaired by the Area Chief package should be designed Inspector, attended by the South in consultation with the Police Armagh Inspector and Sergeants College/Combined Operational on duty. Representation from LPT Training. This should refresh and and specialist departments should consolidate Patrol Strategy tactics, be readily available at this meeting. ensuring consistent performance This should inform decision making in line with contemporary best ensuring an evidence-based and practice standards with a focus on accountable approach to tactical community impact. patrolling methods. The objective of police visibility is The meeting should adopt a formal to facilitate police engagement at governance structure and should every opportunity. include consideration of:
• identified threat, harm and risk issues affecting public and officer 13 safety Uniform The new corporate uniform should • flexible adjustment of tactics be introduced at the earliest to mitigate identified risks opportunity within the service-wide and facilitate responsive and roll out. accessible service delivery Hi-visibility uniform should be • community priorities and feedback routinely worn for visibility and reassurance and in the interests of • equipment and uniform officer health and safety.
• training and development Supervisors should ensure requirements consistent practice in line with the Corporate Appearance and Inspector and Sergeants should Protective Measures Standard and ensure that this approach influences should actively role model required their daily review and management standards, including consistent of patrolling. wearing of name badges on outer uniform items.
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14 All such authorisations should Liveried Vehicles be documented along with the rationale and supporting evidence All local and neighbourhood base. policing duties in South Armagh should be performed using Patrol profile is a strategic liveried vehicles. There should be consideration and should be leader an immediate initial transition of influenced and coordinated. The 50% of the vehicle fleet to liveried use of G36 weapons systems armoured vehicles. Proactive efforts should be subject to monthly audit should be placed on increasing and oversight to ensure use is the proportion of liveried fleet proportionate and justifiable. with the intention that all LPT In operations where carriage of and NPT response will be from G36 weapons is deemed to be liveried vehicles within a 12-18 appropriate, planning should ensure month period. This will require that carriage is discreet rather coordination at District level to than overt, as a means of striking ensure that sufficient liveried an appropriate balance between vehicles would be available to LPT community impact and security officers responding to calls for requirements. service in South Armagh.
15 17 Armoured Vehicles Tasking Protocols Resource tasking protocols should It is recommended that soft-skin/ be brought in line with standard non-armoured vehicle capability organisational call verification and should be introduced gradually dispatch processes. within a 5 year period in the interests of normalised policing, Dedicated engagement with improved attendance times, Contact Management Centre should increased road safety and pursuit take place to ensure a positive capability. collaborative working relationship is developed and that there is mutual reassurance regarding 16 risk management processes. The potential for bespoke learning and Firearms development should be explored G36 assault rifle weapons should to ensure that call handlers and no longer be routinely carried. dispatchers have a consistent level Carriage of G36 weapons and the of local awareness and tailor their use of ancillary equipment such as approach to provide reassurance kite sights should instead require and enhance community confidence an Inspector’s authorisation. in formal reporting.
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18 20 Beat and Cycle Body Worn Video Patrol Body Worn Video should be Visible patrolling on foot and consistently utilised and proactively bicycle should be coordinated supervised as a means of providing across all DEA ward areas as additional reassurance and a priority activity to facilitate accountability. Monitoring should engagement and increase be incorporated in performance reassurance. arrangements. Routine dip sampling of interactions should be conducted Planning and coordination should by supervisors. be influenced by best practice approaches in other Districts to ensure appropriate risk mitigation and officer reassurance is in place. 21 Daily Briefing Structure Personnel and bicycle carrying All officers attached to Slieve vehicles should be sourced Gullion should receive face to face to enable effective and safe briefings from supervisors at the deployment of cycle patrols into commencement of each turn of all villages across the rural area. duty, utilising the corporate briefing The potential to introduce e-bike tool best practice structure. equipment should also be explored. The following topics should be included as a minimum:
19 • local community issues and Road Policing Operations policing priorities (operational and (Vehicle Check Points) engagement focus) All road policing operations should have clarity of purpose and respond • security and other information to identified community priorities. which would impact on threat, The look and feel of such operations harm and risk should be carefully considered to minimise community impact • style and tone of delivery and and avoid legacy associations. patrol profile Consideration to the provision of visible signage which can be Close and regular communication deployed to inform and reassure the should be maintained between public about the reasons for police Neighbourhood and Local Policing presence should be a priority. Team Sergeants and Inspectors.
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A team debrief should take place Senior Management Team to at the end of each turn of duty, ensure that community impact where possible, to facilitate considerations are central to situational awareness, learning and planning and decision making development. processes at every stage. This should include early engagement, maximum information sharing and proactive consequence 22 management. All proactive Intelligence Briefings operational activity should All officers performing duties in complement and prioritise the South Armagh should receive objective of building local trust and dedicated interactive briefing confidence. from C3 on a monthly basis. The frequency and format of intelligence briefings should be reviewed after an initial 6-12 month period. 25 Service-wide Consistency and Accountability All non-local resources carrying out 23 policing activities in South Armagh Analysis and Evidence Base should be accountable to local Analytical product should be management for the style and tone proactively sought on an ongoing of delivery and patrol profile. basis and utilised as a means of establishing an evidence base to All bids for Operational Support focus on geographical and thematic Department resource should be areas and monitor progress against supported by a dedicated briefing identified priorities. package to ensure additional resources are used to maximum effect against identified community priorities in a manner consistent 24 with the revised local policing Operational Collaboration approach. The effectiveness of interventions The development of an electronic against organised criminality is video brief is recommended critical to developing community to ensure that there is a senior trust and confidence in policing. management level briefing on expectations of style and tone of All operations led by specialist delivery. departments or external agencies should be overseen by/planned collaboratively with the District
RECOMMENDATIONS 115 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
26 29 Local Planning Structured Formal All event and operational planning Briefing functions should transition from the All officers deployed to operations Crossmaglen LPT ‘Ops’ Sergeant should receive a structured formal to be managed centrally at Area briefing with a clear emphasis level, consistent with the standard on the style, look and feel of corporate approach. Collaborative operational police presence. working relationships should Operational debriefs should be be developed to facilitate this utilised to promote operational transition. learning and development.
27 30 Local Policy and Planning Confidence and Documentation Engagement Strategy All operational instructions, plans A renewed and priority focus should and local policies should be be placed on engagement as the reviewed and redrafted to meet basis for improving local trust and the needs of new structures and confidence in policing. To this end, working arrangements. an outcomes-based confidence and engagement strategy should be produced to:
28 • refocus officers on the concept of Operational Orders engagement as an integral aspect The format and content of of all operational policing activity. operational orders should be developed in line with best practice • stipulate clear roles, approaches. Documentation responsibilities and accountability should be individually tailored at Constable, Sergeant, Inspector to the specific circumstances of and Chief Inspector level. operations with an increased focus on community impact and the • outline communications principles style/tone of police deployment. with elected community Appropriate quality assurance representatives in relation to mechanisms should be in place ongoing and planned policing to ensure alignment with other activity. recommendations. • proactively develop policing presence on print and social media platforms, to include increased understanding of and interaction with existing community information platforms.
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representative of the community. • clarify local accountability This information should remain structures. under continuous review and form the basis for gap analysis and The strategy should reflect the planning. Engagement networks content of changes outlined in progressed under the Review’s other Review recommendations, consultation process should be used particularly Recommendations 31 - to inform this work. 40.
33 31 Local Accountability NPT Ward and Portfolio Structures Allocation Partnership working should be NPT Constables should be allocated maximised as a means of delivering both a geographical ward area and on policing priorities through thematic portfolio for dedicated established community, voluntary focus. Ward Area Beat Plans and and statutory sector groups. thematic plans should be developed by officers to ensure there is shared Community representatives and understanding and a strategy partners should be provided for managing issues relevant to with clarity on police internal geographic ward areas and themes working arrangements as a basis across the DEA e.g. drugs, domestic for open and accessible working abuse, mental health/vulnerability, relationships. Good practice formats cross border policing, serious such as the Information Leaflet and organised crime, rural crime, on Children and Young People’s children and young people, older Strategic Partnership Locality people, newcomer and minority Planning Groups should provide communities and businesses etc. inspiration.
Resilience and information sharing Police reporting to local arrangements should be in place accountability meetings should be within teams to ensure continuity of formalised in the Confidence and service in the event of abstraction Engagement Strategy. or absence. Meetings should be attended by officers at a rank appropriate to the group membership and objectives. 32 As a minimum this should involve Stakeholder Analysis a formal monthly accountability A formal stakeholder analysis meeting with representation from should be conducted to develop across ward areas. and document community networks and contacts at DEA and ward level,
RECOMMENDATIONS 117 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
34 36 Independent Direct Contact Advisory Group A duty mobile phone should be An Independent Advisory Group carried by Sergeants to allow local should be established to increase representatives and community the diversity of perspective partners to reliably and efficiently on policing style and delivery make direct contact with their local approach. The role and purpose team. should include provision of critical feedback on performance against the implementation of recommendations under this review 37 in order to maximise co-design and Local Police accountability. Drop-In Sessions Proactive efforts should be made to identify appropriate places for ‘Local Police Drop-In Sessions’ 35 across all ward areas. These should Community provide an opportunity for direct Information Networks contact and engagement with Neighbourhood Watch should local officers, allowing issues aim to complement and enhance of concern to be discussed and existing community infrastructure. crime prevention advice to be Focus should be placed on provided. The location, timing and increasing understanding and style of these events should be engagement with existing designed in partnership with local community information and alert representatives and established networks. Opportunities should be community groups. sought to innovate and co-design solutions that meet the regulatory requirements of policing whilst adding value and building trust.
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38 40 Minority Languages Vulnerability Focus Opportunities should be An enhanced focus should be explored to promote the placed on vulnerability, recognising use of minority languages in the increased potential for harm official communications and where existing barriers to reporting correspondence. One potential caused by low levels of trust consideration may be the use and confidence in policing are of Irish language messaging on exacerbated by additional barriers, signage outside South Armagh e.g. domestic abuse, LGBT, other Police Station in line with minority communities. commitments under the Fresh Start Agreement.118 This should include training, research, analysis, benchmarking and thematic action planning.
39 Community Impact 41 Community impact considerations Continuous Professional should be central to all local Development policing activity. There should be Officer training and development an increased and consistent use should be a key strategic priority of community impact assessment under revised arrangements, as a basis for operatipnal decision with appropriate senior oversight making. and identification of training needs. A Continuous Professional Community impact assessments Development Plan should be should be formally documented developed commensurate with and subject to regular monitoring the complexity of work required and strategic oversight. They to develop trust and confidence in should provide guidance on policing. information sharing with community representatives to promote Consideration should be given meaningful dialogue before, during to geographical and cultural and after operations. Advice awareness; enhanced vulnerability; on embedding a best practice legacy, trauma and reconciliation; approach should be sought from cross border policing structures; Policing with the Community leadership inputs such as emotional Branch. intelligence/unconscious bias; community development; restorative justice; team building e.g. Insights.
118 A Fresh Start: The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan – Northern Ireland Executive. Section “F”, Paragraph 68 – “The UK Government and the Irish Government, recalling commitments from previous Agreements and recognising the importance of understanding, tolerance and respect in relation to linguistic diversity, endorse the need for respect for and recognition of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, consistent with the Council of Europe Charter on Regional or Minority Languages.”
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42 44 Training Governance Team Dynamics Governance and accountability Regular team building workshops mechanisms should be implemented should take place with a focus for training delivery, aligned on interpersonal relationships, to recommendations under the information sharing/awareness Police College District Training building and innovation on thematic Review. The potential for South portfolios and ward areas. Armagh to be used as pilot area for implementation of District Training Review recommendations should be explored. 45 Cross Border Patrolling and Hot Pursuit A bi-lateral policing agreement 43 should be explored with the Neighbourhood Policing Northern Ireland Department of Development Programme Justice and Irish Department of The Neighbourhood Policing Justice and Equality with the aim of Development Programme should facilitating joint rather than parallel be redeveloped and enhanced policing operations by PSNI and to meet local needs. This should AGS. As a minimum this should develop thinking around the enable cross border hot pursuit policing purpose, community between policing jurisdictions in the focus and barriers to engagement. interests of community safety and It is essential that officers have policing effectiveness. a balanced understanding of emotional legacy issues which remain relevant to policing today. A positive and respectful narrative on the local area is important.
External community input will be critical to the success of this initial training input with consideration of options for an externally delivered training package. The potential for design and accreditation with a Higher Education Institute partner should be explored.
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46 48 Cross Border Accountability Cross Border A cross border accountability Communications mechanism should be established at There should be increased policing local level with bi-annual reporting collaboration in the front line by PSNI and AGS on joint cross operational environment. border performance priorities. This should focus on day to day • All operational officers should operational demand and outcomes have access to and monitor shared affecting cross border communities radio networks as a matter of in the South Armagh areas. This standard practice, overseen by should be incorporated formally Southern Contact Management under the auspices of PCSP and Centre. Joint Policing Committees. • Routine daily telephone briefings should take place between supervisors from both policing 47 jurisdictions to ensure working Cross Border Command and relationships are developed and Control information sharing/situational A cross border command and awareness is increased. control protocol should be developed with a focus on the • Weekly cross-border ‘Pacesetter’ management of police pursuits. This meetings should take place, should clarify operational structures chaired at Inspector level or for increased understanding, rapid above. communication, risk management and decision making. • A cross border external communications plan should be jointly developed, focusing on daily policing activity and local community priorities.
Communications opportunities should be proactively sought at operational, tactical and strategic level to demonstrate joint working.
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49 Cross Border Development A developed understanding of and Governance the purpose and intent behind recommendations is critical Formal monthly meetings should to ensuring that changes are take place to develop, coordinate implemented in a manner consistent and progress cross border with the ethos and aspirations of the collaboration. These meetings Review. For this reason, the Review should be co-chaired by a Team should maintain involvement Superintendent from each policing in implementation processes jurisdiction. to maximise opportunities for meaningful change. Opportunities should be sought for team building and joint In accordance with development workshops between Recommendation 34, an officers working in areas bordering Independent Advisory Group should South Armagh. be established to provide critical feedback on the implementation of recommendations. This group 50 should be constituted so as to Accountability Arrangements provide diversity of perspective, for Implementation Process co-design opportunities and accountability. Recommendations under this Review create a significant Consideration should be given opportunity to develop to partnering with an academic engagement, confidence and partner/Higher Education Institute. legitimacy in local policing This would ensure that learning arrangements. There is a leadership is captured for the benefit of responsibility to progress cultural academic and professional policing change. Local leadership is critical at a local and national level. to embedding and sustaining changes in South Armagh, in close partnership with local community representatives. It is therefore vital that the South Area Coordinator (Chief Superintendent) and District Commander (Superintendent) demonstrate ownership of and responsibility for the implementation process at a local level.
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Appendices
APPENDICES 123 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix A: Terms of Reference
Context Aim In January 2020 PSNI Chief To evaluate the current model of Constable Simon Byrne local service delivery, providing commissioned a review of policing options and recommendations that in Newry, Mourne and Down will facilitate: Policing District (D District), • Visible; focusing on border areas proximate • Accessible; to South Armagh in response to wide spread community concerns re • Responsive, and; the style, tone and accessibility of • Victim-focused policing. policing in border areas. Concerns specifically related to whether the current policing approach is Objectives appropriately aligned to community A project plan will be developed expectations of a neighbourhood to include: policing model. • Organisational Culture - Perceived policing image Purpose - Organisational identity To ensure that models of service - How threat and risk informs delivery are responsive to the local culture, mind-set and approach. environment and have empathy with the local community context. • Policing Style The values of the Police Service - An effective policing are “We care, We listen, We act” response model and we will, therefore, reflect and - Accessible, visible and responsive open ourselves to challenge in the neighbourhood policing interests of organisational learning and development. - Local Police fleet - Local police uniform, tactics It is our strong intent to build and equipment confidence and support for policing - AGS Collaboration across the community and thereby enhance the safety and well-being of the local community.
124 APPENDICES POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix A: Terms of Reference
• Accessibility and visibility Method - Locations of police stations A team, incorporating the appropriate skills, experience and - Police station look and feel knowledge will be established to - Community accessibility conduct an evidence-based review. - Clarity of purpose The review will involve primary and secondary data collection • Community Engagement that includes close collaboration - Social Media Use and consultation with with the - Effective Public Communication community. - Building Legitimacy Community Perspectives will be sought from;
• Leadership • Local Residents • Political and Social Perspectives Scope • Policing and Community Safety • District Policing Command Partnership model within the geographical • Business Representatives area of South Armagh • Faith Groups incorporating the local policing • Other Parties, as appropriate areas of Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton Operational Context and Capability • Frontline Local Policing Team and will be informed by; Neighbourhood Policing Team • Local Command functions including presence, structure and engagement. • Local Officers • Culture, image and identity • Headquarters Departments pertaining to the local delivery • Benchmarked Comparators and model. Good Practice • Public relationship with policing including support and advocacy in place to develop policing Timeline legitimacy and normality. The review will provide a draft report, including recommendations, to Police Service of Northern Ireland Senior Executive Team by 31st July 2020. A final report, suitable for publication, will be available by 1st September 2020.
APPENDICES 125 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• A Fresh Start: The Stormont House • Ask the Chief: Shift Patterns - Agreement and Implementation Chief Constable, 08/06/2020 Plan. An agreement to consolidate • Bandit Country: The IRA and South the peace, secure stability, Armagh - Tony Harnden, 1999 enable progress and offer hope - Northern Ireland Executive, 2015 • Be the Change Leadership Programme Presentation, Module • A New Beginning: Policing in 3: Leading System Transformation Northern Ireland - The Report - Health and Social Care of the Independent Commission Leadership Centre, February 2020 on Policing for Northern Ireland, September 2020 • Building Inclusive Workplaces: Assessing the Evidence - CIPD, • Agreement between the The Professional Body of HR and Government of Ireland and People Development, September the Government of the United 2019 Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Police • Byrne ‘is being honest’ over threat Cooperation - Irish Treaty Series that officers face - David Young, 2002, No 2, 20/12/2002 Belfast Telegraph, 28/12/2019
• Analytical Report, South Armagh • Byrne under fire over gun Review - Police Service of pic - Mark Rainey, Newsletter, Northern Ireland South Area 27/12/2019 Analysis Unit, June 2020 • Challenging History: Northern • Anger over police chief’s Ireland Officers who serve in Crossmaglen photograph - Irish South Armagh - Eve Pertile, Police Times, 27/12/2019 Review, 03/11/2006, pp19-21
• Anger over police chief’s ‘ill- • Chief Constable photo brings back judged’ Xmas tweet - Maurice dark past - Tom Kelly, Irish News, Fitzmaurice, Daily Mirror, 06/01/2020 27/12/2019 • Chief ought to reflect on his • Anniversary of last Crossmaglen choice of imagery - Irish News, soldier murder victim- Newsletter, 28/12/2019 28/12/2018
126 APPENDICES POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• Comment Piece - Eilis O’Hanlon, • Crossmaglen and Belfast Telegraph, 30/12/2019 Newtownhamilton Overtime by Month (01/03/19 - 01/02/20) - • Community Prioritisation South Area Operational Planning, Index Report 2017 - Dr Kevin 25/03/2020 Cunningham, Ireland Links with PSNI, January 2018 • Data Report (Collated Sources), • Co-ordinated cross-border South Armagh Review - Sergeant policing needed to tackle QIH P025016, November 2020 attacks – ex-NI chiefs. Former • DEA Profile, Slieve Gullion - CMIS, PSNI constable says Northern 2014/15 Border area ‘still not normal policing environment’ - Simon • District Policing Command: High Carswell, Irish Times, 08/11/2019 Visibility - Good Practice Study, July 2019 • Corporate Appearance and Protective Equipment Standard • District Electoral Area and Ward - PSNI Uniform and Protective Map - Police Service NI, 2020 Measures Committee, June 2020 • Domestic Abuse Service • Corporate Criminal Justice Performance Statistics and Performance Report, December Priorities - Chief Superintendent 2019 - PSNI Criminal Justice Head of Branch, Public Protection, Branch, 23/01/20 08/07/2020
• Corporate Plan 2020 - 2021 - • Domestic and Hate Crime Police Service NI Incidents 2019-2020 - Area Compliance Team, 09/07/2020 • Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force Operational Report • Don’t gloss over the Black Lives (01/04/19 - 30/09/19) - PSNI/ Matter protests warns Britain’s AGS, 2019 first black Chief Constable - Sarah Gibbons, Policing Insight, • Cross Border Strategy 2016 16/06/2020 - Department of Justice / Department of Justice and Equality (An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais), 2016
APPENDICES 127 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• Emotional Reconciliation: • Former officer defends Byrne Reconstituting Identity and over ‘heavy weaponry’ Twitter Community after Trauma - picture - Mark Rainey, Newsletter, Hutchinson, Emma and Bleiker, 28/12/2019 Roland (2008), European Journal of Social Theory, 11:3, 385 - 403, • Foundation Principles - Chief 05/08/2008 Constable, PSNI, February 2020
• Epistemic Injustice: Power and • Good Policing Our Entitlement: the Ethics of Knowing - Miranda A Community Perspective - Fricker (2008) 23:61;pp.69-71, Community Restorative Justice 2008 Newry / Armagh, Digging Deeper Project, June 2016 • Estate Strategy, South Armagh - Inspector, South Armagh, c. • H District Benchmarking, Derry 2007/2008 City & Strabane - Summary of • EU Exit and North-South Community Engagement, Enabling Policing Arrangements Report - Framework and Partnership Human Rights Training Advisor, Approaches, 2020 04/03/2020 • Hate Crime Analysis Breakdown • EU Exit Servicewide Allocation of 2019-2020 Slieve Gullion NPT Posts, 20/03/2020 DEA - Area Compliance Team, 15/07/2020 • 15 Best Ways to Build a Company • Have you ever visited Culture that Thrives - Forbes Crossmaglen? Boris Johnson Coaches Council, 28/01/2018 challenged on Irish border knowledge - Belfast Telegraph, • Final Report on Illicit Trade 13/03/2019 and the Border - British/Irish Parliamentary Assembly, October • Intimidation and checks: My trip to 2019 Palestine brought back memories of Crossmaglen during the • Forgetful Sniping at our Top Cop Troubles - Ois n McConville, Cross - Jim McDowell Sunday World, GAC, the Journal.ie, 21/12/2019 29/12/2019
128 APPENDICES POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• Ireland’s Call: from Bandit Country McAllister, Campbell & Wilson, to Brexit’s Frontier - Simon Mediation Northern Ireland Carswell, Irish Times, 18/03/2017 and University of Ulster Action Research Programme, Future • Local Area Plan and Assessment Ways of Need - Education Authority, Newry, Mourne and Down Division, • Mission Narrative - PSNI Chief 2018/20 Constable, 28/04/2020
• Local Council Infographics - • Nationalists slam PSNI chief’s Northern Ireland Statistics and ‘offensive’ festive tweet from Research Agency (NISRA), Crossmaglen - Lauren Harte, January 2020 Belfast Telegraph, 27/12/2019
• Local Police Report to PCSP • Neighbourhood Policing Newry Mourne and Down - May- Awareness: Supporting June 2020 Neighbourhood Policing within Districts, 4-day training package • Local Policing Plan Outcomes supporting reflective journals - Indicators and Measures 2020- PSNI Policing with the Community 2021 Branch 2019
• Local Policing Plan Reporting • Neighbourhood Policing Template - Newry, Mourne and Development Programme - Down, October 2018 General and South Armagh Specific Content • Local Policing Review 2018, Consultation Response - PSNI/ • Neighbourhood Policing and Northern Ireland Policing Board, Serious Organised Crime 05/11/2019 Professional Development Event (summary notes) - College of • Mediated Dialogues and Systemic Policing, 13/02/20 Change in Northern Ireland, Policing our Divided Society (PODS) 1996 - 2003 - Morrow,
APPENDICES 129 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• New data reveals PSNI and Garda • Normalisation Strategy - face a ‘hard border’ when pursuing Miscellaneous Records, 2005-2013 criminals - Cormac Campbell, thedetail.tv, 15/08/2016 • Offensive’: PSNI chief criticised over photo - Irish Independent, • Newry and Armagh Constituency 27/12/2019 Profile, Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service, • Operations Review for South 2017 Armagh Policing Review, March 2020 • Newry and Armagh has a young growing population, but is • Organisational Culture and politically stagnant - Slugger Leadership - Edgar Shein, 2010 O’Toole, 28/11/2019 • Organizational Culture as a Tool • Newry Mourne and Down Area for Change - Howard-Grenville, Plan 2018/2020, Education Lahneman and Pek, Stanford Authority Social Innovation Review, Summer 2020 • Newry, Mourne and Down Local Development Plan 2030: Preferred • Out of the darkness: policing and Options Paper - Newry, Mourne the death of George Floyd - Rick and Down District Council, June Muir, The Police Foundation, 2018 05/06/2020
• Newry, Mourne and Down Policing • Patrol Strategy - Miscellaneous Plan 2017-2018 Records, 2008 - 2013
• NI police chief’s Christmas • Paul Quinn. Why does his murder gun photo totally uncalled for: still hang over Sinn Fein? - BBC Crossmaglen residents - Allan News NI, 05/02/2020 Preston, Belfast Telegraph, 28/12/2019 • Police accused of ‘putting on show’ for chief constable in • Northern Ireland Multiple controversial photo - Allison Deprivation Measure 2017 - Morris, Irish News, 28/12/2019 Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), 2017
130 APPENDICES POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• Police must view legitimate • PSNI urged to review its approach anger with care - we need to to policing in south Armagh listen to our communities - - Connla Young, Irish News, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, 06/01/2020 Metropolitan Police Service, The Guardian, 09/06/2020 • Public Road Border Crossings Between Republic of Ireland and • Policing and Community Safety Northern Ireland - Department Partnership Meeting Papers, for Infrastructure NI, Department 04/04/2020 for Transport Tourism and Sport, Government of the Republic of • Policing Northern Ireland: Tackling Ireland, June 2018 the threat of dissident violence - Andrew Staniforth, Policing Insight, • RAPID drug bin in south Armagh 06/02/2020 village to be emptied more often as thousands of items deposited • Policing Plan Consultation 2020- - Michael McKenna, Armagh I, 25 - PSNI/Northern Ireland Policing 20/01/2020 Board, 21/10/19 - 06/01/20 • Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse • Policing review pledge prompts Thinking - Matthew Syed, 2019 calls for bollard removal to ‘transform’ Newtownhamilton • Reflections on the Northern Square -Michael McKenna, Armagh Ireland Experience: The lessons I, 24/01/2020 underpinning the normalisation of policing and security in a divided • Promoting a Good and Harmonious society - J Byrne, 2014 Working Environment: A Guide for Employers and Employees - • Regional Development Strategy Equality Commission, October 2035: Building a Better Future 2009 - Department for Regional Development, 05/03/2012 • Promoting a Professional and Inclusive Policing Environment - Police Service NI
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Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• Reinventing the Police Station: • Sectarianism in Northern Ireland: A Police-public relations, Review - Sir George Quiqley Fund reassurance and the future of the Committee, December 2018 police estate - Institute for Public Policy Research, Ben Rogers with • ServiceFirst RPA/OPM context Tom Houston, 2004 material 2014-2016 - Corporate Development Team • Report on Liveried Vehicles for South Armagh, 21/07/2019 • Service Instruction 0120 Police Pursuits - PSNI, Operational • Review of Control Works Support Department, Road Incidents, 2020 Policing, 22/01/2020
• Review of Evidence: What effect • Simon Byrne - Suzanne Breen, do enforcement-orientated and Sunday Life, 29/12/2019 engagement-orientated methods of visible policing have on public • South Armagh “Bandit Country” confidence? - Scottish Institute (1976) - BBC Panorama for Policing Research, Dr Yvonne Documentary, YouTube, 1976 Hail Edinburgh Napier University, Dr Liz Aston Edinburgh Napier • The Art of Brilliance: Transforming University, Dr Megan O’Neill Government by Focusing on the University of Dundee, July 2018 Behaviours that Really Matter, Written for SROs by SROs - HM • Review of the District Training Government, 2020 Performance Framework, Final Terms of Reference version 3.0 - • The Challenges of Policing Police College, October 2019 the Border in Light of the Ongoing Threat - PSNI D District • Revisiting the Police Mission: The Presentation, 2020 Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales Insight Paper • The dangerous myth of the ‘bad 2 - The Police Foundation, Ian border’ in Northern Ireland - The Loader, April 2020 Spectator, 10/10/2019
132 APPENDICES POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix B: Reference Material / Sources
• The Northern Ireland Policing • Vehicle Fleet Excel, Transport Plan 2020-2025 and Annual Services, 2020 Performance Plan 2020/21 - NI Policing Board and Police Service • West Belfast Neighbourhood NI, March 2020 Policing Team Benchmarking Visit - Summary Notes, 21/02/2020 • The Northern Ireland-Related and associated good practice Terrorism Strategy: an comparator strategies/plans independent analysis of the 2019-2020 underpinning themes and issues - Byrne, Morrow, Good, Ulster • Who was Paul Quinn and why has University, December 2019 his murder become an election issue? -Simon Carswell, Irish • The Politics of Memory in Post- Times, 05/02/2020 Conflict Northern Ireland - Lundy, Patricia and McGovern, Mark (2001), Peace Review, 13:1, 27-33, 2001/2010
• The surreal reality of life in ‘the most militarised area of western Europe’ - thejournal.ie, 09/02/2019
• Tributes to soldiers murdered 40 years ago in Crossmaglen - Newsletter, 21/12/2018
• True North - Field of Dreams (Crossmaglen Rangers GAC) - BBC Documentary, 2016
• Turning the Curve: Outcome Based Accountability - Mark Friedman, 09/02/2011
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Appendix C: Consultation Method
Internal Consultation
SMT District Commander
Chief Inspector Engagement Portfolio Direct Consultation Chief Inspector Performance Portfolio
Line Management South Armagh Inspector NPT Sergeant Newtownhamilton LPT Sergeant Crossmaglen Direct Consultation LPT Sergeant Newtownhamilton Community Planning Sergeant LPT Sergeant/ PFNI Representative LPT Sergeants Newtownhamilton Written Feedback LPT Inspectors
LPT and NPT Constables Crossmaglen Section Representatives
Newtownhamilton Section Representatives Direct Consultation Direct Consultation Newtownhamilton NPT representatives
Departments Cl Area D/Chief Inspector and D/lnspector Cl Serious Crime D/Chief Inspector C2 TIU D/Chief Inspector C3 Area lntellgence Hub Coordinator - D/Chief Inspector
C3 South Area Intelligence Hub D/lnspector Written Feedback C3 National Security D/Chief Inspector Direct Consultation and/or Direct Consultation C4 D/lnspector C5 Chief Inspector Operational Support Department - OSD Hub and TSG Inspector Estates Services Representatives JATF Co-Chair Superintendent EU Exit Superintendent and Inspectors
Direct Consultation Direct Consultation Security Branch Sergeant Former Area Commander - Superintendent
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Appendix C: Consultation Method
External Consultation
Elected Representatives Aoife Finnegan, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Barra O'Muirí, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA David Taylor, UUP Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Declan Murphy, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Liz Kimmins, Sinn Fein MLA, Newry and Armagh Consitituency Mickey Larkin, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Direct Consultation Oonagh Magennis, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Pete Byrne, SDLP Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Roisín Mulgrew, Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA Terry Hearty, former Sinn Fein Councillor, Slieve Gullion DEA and outgoing chair Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP William Irwin, DUP MLA, Newry and Armagh Consituency
Local Residents : Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators (28) Meigh Killeavy Dromintee Bessbrook PCSP Facilitated Survey Newtownhamilton (22 responses) Lissummon Poyntzpass Jerrettspass
Local Residents: Community Associations/Residents Groups Bessbrook Camlough Crossmaglen Dorsey Dromintee Dungormley and Lir Grove PCSP Facilitated Survey Forkhill (22 responses) Jerrettspass Killean Lislea Meigh Mullaghbawn Newtownhamilton Independent Community Survey- CRJ Facilitated Survey all villages and towns, South Armagh (502 responses)
APPENDICES 135 POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND: SOUTH ARMAGH POLICING REVIEW
Appendix C: Consultation Method
External Consultation
Facebook/Website Users Newry, Mourne and Down PSNI/PCSP Social Media Request for Feedback(4 responses) Business Owners Crossmaglen (2) Direct Consultation
Education School Principals - post primary (2)
Education Authority - Youth Outreach Worker Direct Consultation Education Authority - Senior Youth Worker
Community Community Restorative Justice GAA representatives (2) Health and Social Care Board Locality Development Children and Young People' Strategic Partnership Southern Area Men's Shed/ Newtown Together Direct Consultation Newtownhamilton Community Association Rainbow Project Advocacy Service Start 360 Sure Start South Armagh Ulster Farmers Union
Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Armagh Response to Letter
Statutory Partners: An Garda Síochána Chief Superintendent, Border Superintendent, Monaghan D/Superintendent Direct Consultation D/Inspector D/Sergeant Cross Border Tasking Unit
Statutory Partners DEA Coordinator Direct Consultation PCSP Manager
HMRC Direct Consultation
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
Community Restorative Justice Newry / Armagh
Policing review in South Armagh Communities
Objective
In light of the controversial incident and photographs shared by the PSNI in Crossmaglen at Christmas 2019, the objective of this survey was to gather opinions on current delivery of policing within South Armagh. The survey provided an opportunity for people to express their opinions on the delivery of policing within their community.
Scope
The survey targeted members of the community from all villages and towns within the South Armagh area. The survey involved both male and female members of the community, over four age categories; 18 – 25, 26-40, 41-55 and 56+.
The survey involved 12 questions and an additional comments box if required. The survey style was positive and negative questions relating to the perception of policing in the area. The compilers were required to select whether they ‘Strongly Agreed, Agreed, Neither Agreed or Disagreed or Strongly disagreed’.
The survey was carried out over the months of April to July 2020.
Findings
The following pages are the result of the survey. We received over 502 responses. The graphs show the % per answer for each question, while displaying the proportion per age category for the relevant answer.
Section 1 is the results of the hard copy survey and section 2 are the results of the online survey.
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
Section 1: Survey findings from 250 hard copy responses received.
1. Do you think the PSNI always do the best for your community?
70
60
50
40 56+ 41-55 30 26-40
20 18-25
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
2. Do the PSNI always update the community around issues such as drugs / carcrime?
70
60
50
40 56+ 41-55 30 26-40
20 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
3. Do the PSNI treat people with respect?
56+ 41-55 26-40 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
4. Do you believe the communities and the PSNI want the sameoutcome?
50 45
40
35
30 56+ 25 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
5. Do you believe that policing is delivered differently in South Armagh than in otherareas?
50
56+ 30 41-55 26-40 20 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
6. Do you believe the Police are responsive to communityconcerns?
45
40
35
30
25 56+ 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
7. Do you think the PSNI prioritise what is most important to yourcommunity?
50
56+ 30 41-55 26-40 20 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
8. Do you believe the PSNI are always held accountable for wrong or inappropriate conduct in the community?
50 45
40
35
30 56+ 25 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
9. People should obey the law because it benefits everyone in the community?
50 45
40
35 30 56+ 25 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25
10
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
10. Do you believe the PSNI engage enough with your community?
50 45
40
35
30 56+ 25 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
11. Would you report crime to the PSNI?
50
56+ 30 41-55 26-40 20 18-25
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree
12. Do you think there should be more community involvement in a local policingplan?
45 40 35 30 56+ 25 41-55 20 26-40 15 18-25 10
Strongly Agree Neither Agree or Disagree Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
Section 2: Survey findings from 252 oline survey monkey responses received
1. Do you think the PSNI always do the best for your community?
Strongly Agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree 20 Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. Do the PSNI always update the community around issues such as drugs / carcrime?
Strongly Agree 51 Agree 31 neither agree nor disagree 22 Disagree 79 Strongly Disagree 69
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
3. Do the PSNI treat people with respect? Strongly Agree 0 Agree 52 neither agree nor disagree 19 Disagree 104 Strongly Disagree 77
4. Do you believe the communities and the PSNI want the sameoutcome?
Strongly Agree 49 Agree 51 neither agree nor disagree 60 Disagree 92 Strongly Disagree
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
5. Do you believe that policing is delivered differently in South Armagh than in otherareas?
Strongly Agree 191 Agree 57 Neither agree nor disagree 2 Disagree 2 Strongly Disagree 0
6. Do you believe the Police are responsive to communityconcerns?
Strongly Agree 0 Agree 57 Neither agree nor disagree 35 Disagree 98 Strongly Disagree 62
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
7. Do you think the PSNI prioritise what is most important to yourcommunity?
Strongly Agree Agree 48 Neither agree nor disagree 31 Disagree 94 Strongly Disagree 79
8. Do you believe the PSNI are always held accountable for wrong or inappropriate conduct in the community ?
Strongly Agree Agree 2 Neither agree nor disagree 7 Disagree 51 Strongly Disagree 192
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
9. People should obey the law because it benefits everyone in the community?
Strongly Agree 114 Agree 101 Neither agree nor disagree 19 Disagree 18 Strongly Disagree
10. Do you believe the PSNI engage enough with your community?
Strongly Agree 0 Agree 19 Neither agree nor disagree 39 Disagree 125 Strongly Disagree 69
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
11. Would you report crime to the PSNI?
Strongly Agree 67 Agree 137 Neither agree nor disagree 17 Disagree 31 Strongly Disagree
12. Do you think there should be more community involvement in a local policingplan?
Strongly Agree 117 Agree 105 Neither agree nor disagree 31 Disagree 0 Strongly Disagree 0
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Appendix D: Community Restorative Justice – Survey Findings
Additional comments
• 40 – 55 ‘I have not had any issues with the police in my area’ • 18 – 25 ‘There should be more policing in the area’ • 18 – 25 ‘I have no faith in the police’ • 56+ ‘The only thing that has changed is their uniform’ • 25-40 ‘ That picture does not represent our community’ • 18 – 25 ‘I know friends who have rang for the police and they have not came out’
Summary
1. 80% surveyed do not think the PSNI always do the best for their community 2. 91% surveyed do not think the PSNI always update their community around issues such as drugs / car crime 3. 89% surveyed do not think the PSNI treat people with respect 4. 88% surveyed do not believe the communities and the PSNI want the same outcome 5. 65% surveyed believe policing is delivered differently in South Armagh than other areas 6. 80% surveyed do not believe the Police are responsive to community concerns 7. 68% surveyed do not think the PSNI prioritise most important to their community 8. 87% surveyed do not believe the PSNI always are held accountable for wrong or inappropriate conduct in the community 9. 86% surveyed believe people should obey the law because it benefits everyone in the community 10. 68% surveyed do not believe the PSNI engage enough with their community 11. 61% surveyed would report crime to the PSNI 12. 75% surveyed feel there should be more community involvement in a local policing plan
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
This is a summary of consultation Very helpful when we have responses received via a recent contacted them. Survey Monkey consultation exercise to support the current I have had no personal need of the review of policing in South Armagh police service. being carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. In Very good and effective. August 2020, the PCSP issued a survey link to a number of Local police in the local community organisations Newtownhamilton area seem to and Neighbourhood Watch Co- want an “easy life”. Response times Ordinators. are unsatisfactory. Police seem to listen to our community’s concerns 22 unique responses were received but do not follow up on them. during the period 9 August – 21 Confidence in policing is low in September 2020. Newtownhamilton.
This is my experience - I went to St. Question 1: Joe’s in Crossmaglen and in 2016 What is your experience of we took part in a cross-community your local police service? project with a few other schools. Mostly good. Significant progress The PSNI came to some of the has been made in recent years; sessions - I was in a bad place police are an accepted presence in at the time, in with a bad crowd the community. but tempted by what I was being offered (money, cars) to get We have never had a bad involved in paramilitary stuff. I was experience with police in our area, depressed, lonely and was letting they respond quickly when needed things get on top of me - I wanted and have given us mobile numbers to end my life, and had already so that we can call them directly. decided how, where and when I would do this. That day I had gone Excellent - always willing to to school with the rope in my bag, I engage at a local level. This has didn’t plan to go home. The Police really increased as a result of our there that day-Stevie and Des (I’ll Neighbourhood Watch scheme. never forget their names) - talked to The PSNI are much more welcome us about a heap of things but it was in our village and Stevie and Mark the talk about making good choices, have helped us with some crime and the fall out from making bad prevention information for elderly decisions that I remember. They residents. spent a long time afterwards talking
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
to us, answering our questions and Excellent, always willing to engage just listening to us. They were just and support our Neighbourhood sound. I left feeling more positive Watch work. The public meeting in than I had in a long time and knew Meigh last year was one of the most that help was out there if I wanted positive community events we have it. I looked for help that weekend-I ever had in our village. I felt proud would never had done this if I hadn’t that night to say that I was working heard those boys talk to us that with the police and the PCSP to day. It changed my life-and saved help make our village safer. my life too. I am sure of that. I owe them everything. Did I think I would Very good, I used to feel say that coming from Crossmaglen nervous when I first became and growing up thinking the Police a Neighbourhood Watch Co- were the enemy - never. But I’m Ordinator but now I am used to here - happy with my life - because dealing with the police. They have of them. been very approachable and always willing to help people in our area. As a member of a residents group Some of them have become very I have had quite a lot of contact familiar faces to us and we missed with the police, I also am a school seeing them during lockdown. crossing warden and have had a lot of contact with police in that capacity as well as personally Question 2: having had to call on police. I have What should police be always found them helpful, friendly focusing on? What is a and professional. priority for your community? Rural crime, property theft, cattle Reasonably good. rustling, speeding, boy racers in Killean on a weekly basis, In recent times the PSNI have been overcrowding in some bars. much more visible in South Armagh Newcomer families from other and this is very welcome. They countries need support from police have been approachable, friendly and the community. and keen to help. Stevie and Mark play a vital role in engaging with More engagement with young local communities and have helped people - in schools, youth groups. build trust and confidence in Anywhere that relationships can be policing across the area. This is very developed. important.
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
Burglaries, speeding motorists, Priorities include rural crime in bad parking at Meigh crossroads, many forms - theft of machines etc., adherence to Covid regulations. burglaries in rural crimes, young drivers doing ‘doughnuts’ on the old Parking at crossroads in Meigh, Dublin Road in Killean. Road safety over-crowding in Murphy’s pub, in general; tackling the underage drinking and taking of ever-increasing use of drugs and drugs in Murphy’s pub. Fights in alcohol. village after pub closes. Speeding in the village. Speeding, drugs, gangs fleeing across the border too quickly. More In the last year it has been burglary, visible co-operation with the Gardai especially around Christmas. The needed. burglaries were occurring daily. Preventing these should be a Helping older people to feel safe in priority for everyone. their homes, the home safety packs last year were brilliant. It would be We are adversely affected by the great to see these given out again. loud car brigade who use local roads as a racetrack at weekends. Cross border gangs who are involved in crime need to be Police should be focusing on stopped. They preyed on older Community Policing, Stephen people in our area last Winter and Simpson and Mark McGarrity make this left them feeling scared and great efforts with community vulnerable. The safety packs given policing. Police could be on more out were a great help. foot patrols around the town- engaging with residents, Domestic violence is a concern for they could also use their bicycles in me – I’m not sure how we can get town. people to report this more. It is still a taboo subject in my area. It would Speeding cars, untaxed and be great if something local could be unroadworthy cars, anti-social done to help people speak up and behaviour are all priority issues in look for help. our local community.
Drugs use by organised crime syndicates.
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
Question 3: Engagement work is excellent - What do we do well in your while these might seem like ‘set community? pieces’ of engagement to the untrained eye work like this with Good engagement with local local schools and youth groups residents. Events in the community etc. takes many months (if not centre with the PCSP have been years) to develop. It would have useful. been unheard of a couple of years ago for uniformed officers to go People are more accepting of the into schools or business premises PSNI now - only made possible in South Armagh - this is now the through serious hard work by local norm and that is to the absolute officers. credit of those officers who have worked so hard to achieve this. Engagement is excellent. Local We have also engaged with the relationships with the PSNI have local PCSP and this has also been never been better - extra foot excellent. patrols would be good but there is obviously a big area to cover. Response is good, residents feel reassured by seeing a police Respond to calls and suspicious presence in the community. activity, brilliant follow up and feedback afterwards. Stevie and Mark do a great job – neighbourhood policing can’t be an They have responded quickly to easy job, building trust and getting robberies in the past. to know communities previously beyond the immediate reach of Low key policing works well in my the PSNI. These policemen have area. worked hard to make these links and connections as did others who The PSNI engage with the young worked in the area in the past. people at youth group occasionally, however this is not enough. PSNI Police are working well with local recently carried out a speed residents and communities – I like awareness campaign at St Michael’s seeing them out and about. It is PS which has to be commended. great to walk into a local coffee shop or restaurant and see them As well as can be expected. Too few there, just having a cup of coffee police on the ground. and chatting to local people. This is how it should be – we will trust Nothing. them more if we know them. This should be encouraged more.
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
Good attention to representation They are invisible. Perhaps this is on committees dealing with older due to historical antagonism in the people (for example the local Older South Armagh area. Persons Forum) and frequently attending OPF when requested. Nothing. Dealing quickly with issues brought forward by OPF – e.g.-101 system Response times, engaging re-recorded to ensure older people with Bulgarian members of the could hear and follow instruction. community. The community feels that members of the Bulgarian Meeting with older people in their community are able to do what community groups on matters they want and Police do not concerning safety in home and challenge them. E.g. - no tax on community - specific officers vehicles. littering, driving cars with assigned to and known by no seatbelts, allowing children communities so that appropriate to sit on knees. The community relationships can be established. of Newtownhamilton have little This helps build trust and confidence in the PSNI as they confidence - older people are do not see a change when crime reassured by seeing familiar faces. is reported and when COVID-19 restrictions were in place we believe the PSNI failed to act in a timely manner to ensure groups were not Question 4: meeting on the street. Response What do we not do well in times are very poor in this area your community? even though the police station is Police need to be more visible, in the centre of the town. Often more foot patrols in local towns and people feel they’re being a nuisance villages. contacting the PSNI. We are sick of the PSNI trying to educate people in Response times could be better I Newtown, namely Bulgarian people, think. they need to be issued with fines or penalties in accordance with the I can’t think of anything, we are law. A PSNI officer told us before “ grateful for all the good work which the honeymoon period is over.” The has been done. honeymoon period is continuing.
Need to build up more trust in community, be seen patrolling more and deal with issues highlighted above. Also to stop dealing with only Councillors, people want to see you working for the community not them.
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Appendix E: PCSP Survey Summary 01/10/2020
Our community (Newtownhamilton) Question 5: has been inundated with foreign What do we need to do national residents who are driving to improve trust and round the town untaxed not MOTd confidence in policing in your and at terrible speeds. Many reports community? have been made to police who don’t More visibility. More local seem to act upon them. Also the engagement meetings with updates new playpark has become a hang on outcomes of incidents which out for older teenagers and young have been reported. We see a lot of men in their 20s who urinate down activity sometimes but don’t know there in front of young children the outcome of any investigation. also reported. Drug dealing openly Communication should be a two- goes on also reported but never any way process and will build more action taken. trust.
Deal with anti-social behaviour. Keep engaging, be visible, be a real and consistent presence in local More speed checks needed. More communities. visible on street presence in beat patrols. Keep doing what you are doing! Engagement, engagement, Response times to rural areas need engagement!! This builds trust, to be improved. confidence and respect. Maybe other villages - Forkhill for example More evidence of cross-border - would benefit from a dedicated work with AGS (An Garda Siochana) focus? would be useful. As a border village we would have more confidence Show a presence and respond in policing if we understood more effectively when requested. about how police on both sides of the border work with each other. Maintain good policing standards and response times. We need to get the speed trailer out more – this gets people thinking More patrols and criminals brought about their speed. The new flashing to court, more vehicle checkpoints signs are brilliant but we need more to seize untaxed cars on the road of them. around Newtownhamilton. More Community Policing eg: walking around local housing estates, calling down to the new playpark to ensure ASB behaviour is not taking place. A more visible presence in our town. Not the presence we see each day of police coming and going from the town at high speeds.
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Some of the above issues really More police on the streets in our need to be addressed (re: village would be good – work with Newtowhamilton). Police need to local people to develop greater be more visible on the street at confidence so that this can be done appropriate times not for example safely. walking through at 10am when the drug dealers and antisocial people More public events with the are still in bed asleep. The speed community (once Covid is over). trailer appears in the morning when Sometimes people don’t like the nobody is about but the time when thought of going to police stations the speeding goes on is evening to report things or look for advice – time as well. The police need to talking to police in our community take action about all the cars not centre means that people can feel roadworthy or taxed and work relaxed and comfortable. We need with DVLA on this as some cars are to see more of this. untaxed for more than 2 years!!!!!! Increased social media coverage – it More regular seminars with the is great when you see a local focus community. on your area.
Recognise the excellent work More evidence of having a presence of some of the officers already in the area, patrolling particularly working in the area and where there is a likelihood of drug acknowledge the progress that has dealing and other criminal activity. been made. More patrols in local Also, to be seen to deal with those areas - foot patrols in Crossmaglen who do not take Covid 19 seriously; maybe? But - don’t try to fix what house calls to reassure and provide isn’t broken! The engagement work advice to older people on safety in which is taking place at the minute their community (although this may needs to continue - it has built a not be practical given the reduction solid foundation for future work of in numbers of police officers). Every this type and should be protected. household should receive up to date information on community policing Develop local structures for in their area (a newsletter would engagement and monitoring be good – older members of our – involve local people and community still like things in print). communities (where they can be involved) in policing – make this a real community issue. The PCSP may have a role in this but its remit is already vast – but there is space for local input as well.
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Question 6: residents. But when we ask for an How responsive are we when update on investigations into local you or members of your crimes information this is not always community ask for help or given. Maybe this is because of assistance? confidentiality but it would be good to be told sometimes that progress Can vary. is being made. Can vary - sometimes good, Very good, we have had no issues in sometimes slow. our community with response times or the quality of response provided. Always very responsive.
In our area this has varied, Excellent. sometimes very quick but in other cases it has taken longer. Maybe Seem to be responsive. more officers are needed for the area to improve response times? As expected.
Always very good, no complaints. Not very responsive, a recent incident took place and 999 was called. Firstly a 101 call was made, Question 7: then as the incident unfolded What barriers, if any, are further a 999 call was made. No there for your community response to the 999 call at all. The to engage with or access person who rang 101 received a policing? phone call back several hours later. Unacceptable. A lot of barriers have been removed but there is still a legacy in the area. Usually when police are called we could wait anything from 45 mins to Some of the older generations still 2 hours for a response and usually hold a hard line on some things. whoever is causing the trouble has long gone. It would be great if the police stations were more welcoming to Happy with any response. the public - they are an intimidating feature for local people and a Depends on the type of response reminder of a past which we have – if we ask for assistance with our moved on from. Neighbourhood Watch Scheme then this is sorted very quickly. We are Network coverage is desperate delighted with the signage in our in Meigh, sometimes we can’t area and the feedback from local ring for help and have to ring 999 to Southern guards which takes ages to get through. Call agents
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when you do get through are so unhelpful and rude, I have already Some hostility still exists in a discussed this with local police and couple of areas. The stations in a lot of people around here are Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen now refusing to ring through. More are not welcoming to the work needs to be done with the call community. There should be more centre. community use of these where and when possible – open them up and Police seem to be wary of the entire let people see behind the facade. South Armagh area for historical reasons, and understandably so. The People need to feel confident anger used to be high, but that is no when dealing with the police – longer the case (for the most part). as a NHW Co-Ordinator I have tried to encourage this but some None. people still feel uncomfortable. The Neighbourhood Watch events with The biggest barrier to access other schemes are great as police policing in our community is the are there and we can have a chat heavily fortified barracks. Many with them. I am looking forward to people buzz outside the barracks these happening again. but do not gain access. It is not a welcoming building. Question 8: None at all - our community does What are your views on not hesitate to call police if needed. the police stations in Newtownhamilton and Police are still not accepted Crossmaglen? everywhere. They are a reminder of the past.
This is improving. Local events They are a reminder of the past with the PCSP have really helped - they need integrated into the to break barriers and normalise community better. engagement. It is brilliant to see officers out in community centres, As above answer! Is it possible to cattle markets and youth clubs etc., organise a visit of these for local just chatting and taking the time to young people? get to know local people. Events like this make them feel like ‘our I only deal with Newtownhamilton police’ - I never thought this would police, never been to station. The be possible in my lifetime. team are excellent.
Some increased social media They are too large. They are an coverage on the area would be echo of an earlier and much more great. dangerous time.
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There should be no no-go areas in seem out of place now that we Northern Ireland. have moved to a more normalised approach to policing in the area. The police station in Newtownhamilton is a heavily There is a need to keep police fortified barracks which takes up a stations to make sure that response large part of our town centre, the times are not affected. I know some station is unwelcoming, distasteful local people who would like to see and not maintained. Currently inside and find out more about how there are weeds growing out of the work of the police takes place. the spouting. It is not welcoming for someone to report a crime and They are needed but the external more times people cannot gain facades could be repurposed to access. Large bollards exist outside look less intimidating. Murals or of the station also blocking the art work on the exterior walls street and making it difficult for (designed by local school children people to access the PSNI Station. or youth clubs maybe?) would be It needs to be more welcoming to brilliant. reflect community policing. They are intimidating buildings but I feel we need local police as are probably needed so that police it means we should get faster stay safe. response times.
I can see why they are located close Question 9: to the border but for my particular As a resident of a border area we would get probably a community what would help quicker response from Newry. you to feel safer in relation to cross border crime? The Crossmaglen station should Joint cross border events with the be given back to the community. Garda and the PSNI. Communities Is there a need for two stations so should be able to contact police close to each other? from either North or South if it is an emergency. I have never been to any of the stations as the officers have been Cross-border events would be good able to come out to our community and useful. to deal with local issues. They It would be good to get regular
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updates on the outcome of practical basis. How is information joint PSNI/Garda initiatives. shared and used? Are there regular Joint Neighbourhood Watch / meetings to share information? Community alert meetings would be We don’t need to know about excellent. the sensitivities of confidential information, just some reassurance That communication between the that there is regular communication. north and south is improved and that more is done to show people Joint text messaging / social media that this is happening. updates from police on both sides of the border. A casual police presence now and again, so that those considering A co-ordinated approach to some crime would have reason to think community safety issues would that their actions will not inevitably be great – burglaries, dangerous go unseen. driving to start with perhaps.
More information on co-operation Cross-border community meetings between the PSNI and An Garda would be great – we have talked Siochana. to local Councillors in Crossmaglen who think that the PCSP could help Increased patrols and further cross with this. It would be good to have border communication. contact numbers for Councillors and others just across the border. Crime Cross border crime has never been doesn’t stop at the border – why an issue for me as I know Guards should the communication between and PSNI work together on this people and communities?
A bit more awareness of cross border liaison and what they get Question 10: right or wrong. Please provide any other comments or suggestions More evidence of close co- which might be relevant. operation with the Gardai. Shared None. learning, development and practice. Cross-border Neighbourhood Keep up the good work, and thank Watch events. you.
I would like to know how the Please keep up the good work PSNI and AGS work together on a - it is so appreciated within our
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community. Times have changed - It is too wide an area to police - if we all should be very proud of what we could get more neighbourhood has been achieved and how far we policing this may improve working have come. relationships.
The teams are doing great and have This review is an excellent idea - improved confidence for this area, please make the findings public. however they need to start showing that they will be in the area for a Thank you for all your work. while and are willing to get stuck in with the issues highlighted above. Thank you, you are making our Otherwise thank you and keep up communities safer places to work the great work. and live in.
The police contact in the area has Communication is key to trust and been a positive step in the last year confidence. We need to move on in connection with Neighbourhood from what happened at Christmas Watch. It was handled with a when the Chief Constable was in high level of professionalism and Crossmaglen. This was ill-judged sensitivity. and a mistake, but the priority needs to be on moving forward not Communication is key. back.
It is very frustrating to see our town go so badly downhill (refers to Newtownhamilton) and police not doing anything as they want to keep relations good. This should not be a factor when upholding the law. Everyone who lives here regarding nationality should be subject to the same law and the same treatment but this is not happening. Local people must obey the law but foreign nationals and travellers can break the law with no consequences.
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Appendix F: Newry, Mourne and Down Area Maps
Council Area
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Appendix G: Photographs Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton Police Stations, March 2020
1. Crossmaglen Station view from the Square
2. Crossmaglen Station front façade – police vehicle and public pedestrian entrances
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Appendix G: Photographs Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton Police Stations, March 2020
3. Crossmaglen Station front façade – public pedestrian entrance
4. Crossmaglen Station front public entrance door and signage
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Appendix G: Photographs Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton Police Stations, March 2020
5. Crossmaglen Station 6. Crossmaglen Station 7. Newtownhamilton Station interior public access to Interior officer entrance to public main building entrance Enquiry Office station
8. Newtownhamilton Station 9. Newtownhamilton Station 10. Newtownhamilton Station public main building entrance street access view main officer entrance from inside
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