www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Focusing on the Board s work and policing issues across Northern Ireland Issue One : September 2010 Board Members briefed by Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson Page 3 Committee discusses Historical Enquiries Page 5 Anti-social behaviour biggest public concern Page 6 DPP Round Up Page 7
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 2 WELCOME TO POLICING MATTERS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Policing Matters is the monthly newsletter on the work of the Northern Ireland Policing Board. It is the Policing Board s job to make sure that the PSNI, through the Chief Constable, are held to account for service delivery so that the community can have confidence on how the police operate on a day to day basis. This newsletter provides a report on key issues being dealt with by the Board, its community engagement and consultation work and updates on some initiatives being taken forward locally by District Policing Partnerships. This PDF newsletter will become a regular channel of communication between the Board and the various groups and audiences we work with. The Board is an independent body made up of 19 Members to ensure for all the people of Northern Ireland the delivery of an effective, efficient, accountable and impartial police service which will secure the confidence of the whole community by reducing crime and the fear of crime. Click here to see the Board membership. www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/index/ theboard.htm Our work covers: Oversight of PSNI; Human Rights; Community Engagement; Research and Statistics; District Policing Partnerships; and Senior Officer Appointments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How to contact us: Northern Ireland Policing Board Waterside Tower 31 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG Tel: 028 9040 8500 Fax: 028 9040 8525 Email: information@nipolicingboard.org.uk Textphone: 028 9052 7668 Web: visit www.nipolicingboard.org.uk for all the latest news on the work of the Board. Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/policingboard Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, neither the Northern Ireland Policing Board nor its consultants will be held liable for any inaccuracies that may be contained within.
Board Meeting News Photo: (l-r): Ombudsman s Office Chief Executive, Sam Pollock, Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, Board Acting Chair, Brian Rea and Board Chief Executive Adrian Donaldson. www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 3 Police Ombudsman Briefs Board Members Board Members met with Police Ombudsman Al Hutchinson at the September meeting to discuss the work of the Ombudsman s office and issues of mutual interest. At the meeting the Ombudsman advised that the work and outputs from the office were focused on building confidence in policing, contributing to improved policing for the community and dealing with the past; and set out how the office worked to deliver against these 3 key areas. In respect of complaints against the police, in the last financial year 3,528 complaints were received, a 14% rise on the previous year. Board Members discussed the nature of the complaints, complaint outcomes and the trends and patterns emerging. Members also questioned how the 69 policy recommendations arising from investigations during 2009/10 were being taken forward and the ongoing working relationship between the Board s Human Rights and Professional Standards Commitee and the Ombudsman s office. Members also noted progress with a local resolution project that had been initiated by the Ombudsman s office to find more timely and less bureacratic ways of dealing with less serious complaints to the satisfaction of the complainant. A copy of the Police Ombudsman s Annual Report which contains statistics for the 2009/10 year can be found at www.policeombudsman.org
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 4 Chief Constable s Report At the latest Board meeting the Chief Constable updated Board Members on the policing operation in Ardoyne and other areas across Northern Ireland where sporadic violence broke out. To date 70 people have been arrested, 55 charged and 11 released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to disorder in both the Ardoyne area and South Belfast.* The Chief Constable advised that the 1.1million spent on the policing operation in Ardoyne would have funded a neighbourhood policing team of 8 officers working in Ardoyne for 3 years. The Chief Constable was also questioned by Members on Operation Exposure which has resulted in 40 identifications to date. Members of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee will further discuss this issue at its next meeting. * Figures correct on 2/9/10 POLICE PERFORMANCE UPDATE While the Board s recently published DPP survey identified anti-social behaviour as being the number one issue for communities across Northern Ireland, statistics presented by the Chief Constable at the September meeting show that the number of these incidents has decreased by 2675 (7% reduction) compared to the same period last year. Board Members welcomed the report that overall crime levels were down and detection rates up; and that the number of people killed on the road between April and September 2010 has decreased significantly to 24 compared to 56 deaths during the same period in 2009.
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 5 Pictured at the Board Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee are (L-R): Alastair Ross MLA, Jonathan Bell MLA, Martina Anderson MLA,Basil McCrea MLA (Chair), Mary McKee (Vice Chair), Patricia MacBride, Victim s Commissioner, Brendan McAllister, Victim s Commissioner, Rosaleen Moore and Bertha McDougall, Victim s Commissioner. Board Committee discusses Historical Enquiries The Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee recently held a dedicated meeting to discuss ongoing issues around dealing with historical enquiries in Northern Ireland. The meeting focused on the human rights aspects of this hugely important issue and included discussions with Commissioners Bertha McDougall, Patricia MacBride and Brendan McAllister, Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS) and Dave Cox, Director of the Historical Enquiries Team (HET). Speaking after the meeting Basil McCrea MLA, Chair of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee said: This meeting was a great opportunity to engage with some of our key stakeholders on important human rights issues associated with historical enquiries. The Committee received a briefing from the CVS Commissioners on addressing this difficult issue from a victim s perspective including discussion on their recent proposals to Government on dealing with the past. Dave Cox, HET also had an opportunity to update Members on how the organisation is progressing with case reviews. The Committee will take forward further consideration of some issues arising from discussions. Separately Members had very useful discussions with Monica McWilliams, NIHRC, which included updates on Human Trafficking in Northern Ireland and Immigration Detainee Detention Facilities.
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 6 PSNI Gender Action Plan Review Discussed Members of the Policing Board s Women s Strategic Reference Group pictured with the Board s Deputy Chief Executive, Debbie Donnelly, Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie and Board Member Martina Anderson MLA. The Board s Women s Strategic Reference Group invited the Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, Board Member Martina Anderson MLA and the Board s Deputy Chief Executive, Debbie Donnelly to join them at a recent meeting to reflect on and discuss issues of common interest, in particular, the imminent review of the PSNI Gender Action Plan (GAP) initially published in 2004. During the meeting DCC Gillespie spoke about progress to date in relation to the current GAP, which has included the introduction of a Flexible Working Policy; the impending review; and other initiatives to improve policing services for women. Discussions were very positive and provided an opportunity for the Members of the Reference Group to raise various concerns and to highlight UK and European legislation which should be taken into account as part of the review process. The Women s Strategic Reference Group expressed their interest in being actively involved in the development, consultation and ongoing monitoring of the Plan and it was agreed that the issues arising from discussions would be taken forward and considered at a further meeting. Survey results show anti-social behaviour biggest public concern The Board has published the results from the February 2010 DPP Public Consultation Survey, which was sent to 74,000 households across Northern Ireland. The Board commissioned NISRA s Central Survey Unit to conduct this biennial survey, as part of its statutory duty to assess the level of public satisfaction with the police and DPPs. Results from the 15,675 responses will be used by the Board and DPPs to help shape future policing priorities and objectives for the police. The Board s Acting Chair Brian Rea said: Perhaps not surprisingly, 82% of respondents named anti-social behaviour as one of the top five biggest policing issues where they lived. Other important issues were burglary (stated by 74% of respondents), road traffic offences (64%) and drug dealing and drug use/abuse (55%). 72% of respondents stated that prompt responses to emergencies and visible patrolling were the main activities that the police should concentrate on to deal with the issues where they live. These results clearly set out what the public think of policing in their area and outline where the public think police attention should be focused. There is a real challenge ahead in matching service delivery to community expectation; but a clear commitment has been given by the Chief Constable in respect of service delivery and substantial work is ongoing by the PSNI to deliver that. District Policing Partnership (DPP) Public Consultation Survey A copy of the survey can be found on the Board s Website at: www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/ omnibus_survey_2010.pdf
DPP ROUND UP Across Northern Ireland District Policing Partnerships are working to improve policing services to the community and deal with local policing issues. Here we report on initiatives over the last month... www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 7 The Big Phone Project Sgt. Paul Ferguson pictured with young people and youth workers at the Dromore Youth Drop-in event to promote keeping mobile phones safe. Banbridge DPP has invested in an unusual prop to help promote the crime prevention message around keeping your mobile phone safe. The large polystyrene mobile phone is an instant attraction at various community events at which people of all ages are encouraged to mark their phones with their postcode and house number using an ultra violet pen, and to record key details which are required when reporting a mobile phone lost or stolen. The simplicity of the message and mobility of this initiative means that it can be utilised at a wide range of events and provide a starting point for DPP and police engagement with hard to reach groups. Anti-Drug Campaign Launched A number of leaflet drops targeting hotspot areas for drug dealing took place in Derry/Londonderry over the summer period. The main aim of the campaign, put together in partnership with Crimestoppers, the local DPP and CSP is to encourage people in the community to Break the Silence and Stop the Drug Dealing. Supporting the ongoing fight against the supply of illegal drugs, Alderman Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP said: Local public consultations carried out recently by the DPP Pictured at the launch of the anti-drugs campaign are (l-r) Agnes Kennedy Derry CSP Manager, Ald. Drew Thompson, Chair of Derry CSP, Dermot Harrigan, Derry DPP Manager and Ald. Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP. show that the availability of drugs in our neighbourhoods is a major concern for our residents. As a DPP we realise that the police can only tackle this issue with the help of the public and we would encourage anyone with information about drug dealing to contact the police or Crimestoppers.
DPPs go Digital To assist with raising awareness of the work of DPPs the Board has supported an initiative which involved setting up 10 Information stands in supermarkets and leisure centres across Northern Ireland. www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 8 Business Watch Scheme for Pennybridge Pictured at the launch of the Business Watch Scheme are (l-r) Sgt. Alison Wylie, Noel Elliot, Cllr. Hubert Nicholl, David Kirkpatrick, Charlie McConnell, Audrey Wales, Independent DPP Member, Insp. Pete Bouma, Mayor Cllr. Maurice Mills, Cllr. Martin Clarke, DPP Member, Gail Barber, Cllr. Paul Frew MLA, DPP Member and C/Insp. Ryan Henderson, Area Commander. Top to Bottom (l-r) Mrs Anne Broome, Tesco s Community Champion; Cllr. Arthur Carson, Chair Lisburn DPP and Area Commander C/Insp. Darrin Jones. (l-r) Ald. Joe Miller, Chair of Derry DPP, James McEleney, Centre Manager, Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre and C/ Insp. Chris Yates, Area Commander, Foyle PSNI. (l-r) Con. Dessie Shirley, Ballymoney PSNI, Cllr Tom McKeown, Chair Ballymoney DPP, Bryan Edgar, Chair Ballymoney CSP, Cathy Watson, Community Safety Manager and a Tesco representative. (l-r) Cllr. Ian Burns, Chair Banbridge DPP, Mr Aengus Hannaway, Chair Banbridge CSP, Insp. Joe McMinn, PSNI and a representative from the Tesco Banbridge store. The stands include a large digital screen which runs information on the DPP and its membership, crime prevention and community safety messages, details of local neighbourhood policing teams and policing initiatives. Leaflets are also displayed in pockets below the screens for passers-by to take away. The 10 DPPs who have taken up this first opportunity are Armagh; Ballymoney; Banbridge; Coleraine, Cookstown, Derry, Down; Lisburn; Magherafelt; and North Down. Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and the PSNI supported the initiative, providing information for the screens to highlight particular community safety issues. The Action Committee of the Pennybridge Traders, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local PSNI and Ballymena DPP recently launched the Pennybridge Business Watch Area, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. This new initiative will allow traders to work together to monitor any suspicious activity taking place on the estate, they will share information with one another, report their concerns to an Action Committee member, who will in turn pass that information to the local police. The Police will email crime prevention warnings to other traders on the estate and target their resources to address concerns. The first batch of Business Watch signs, funded by the local PSNI will be prominently displayed on a number of business premises throughout the estate. Commenting on the scheme, DPP Member Mrs Audrey Wales MBE, also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: Business Watch will make owners and staff of businesses in Pennybridge more security conscious and more aware of people that call at the business for no good reason. In short we all have to work together to prevent crime and Business Watch signs will send out a clear message to any would-be criminal that you are being watched.
Lark in the Park in Omagh www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 9 DIARY DATES To address the reoccurrence of anti-social behaviour in Grange Park, Omagh the local CSP, through their Summer Splash funding organised a Lark in the Park event in August. Promoting the Lark in the Park event are (l-r) Audrey Rainey, CSP Member, Sean Begley DPP Member and CSP Chair, local band Urban Monkeys, Mrs Elaine Thompson, DPP Vice Chair and Gerry McCusker CSP Manager. Fully supporting the initiative Omagh DPP also provided additional funding to help promote the event. A wide variety of activities to entertain young people aged between 13 and 18 during the day included 5-aside football tournaments, a bungee run and an outdoor concert showcasing local bands and dance groups. A range of agencies also set up information stands in the park to provide teenagers with advice on careers, health promotion, drug and alcohol abuse and community safety and the PSNI were also on hand to provide advice on road safety. Speaking about the Lark in the Park Cllr. Charlie Chittick said: "This event was organised to tackle an ongoing problem in Omagh of misuse of the park and continued incidents of anti-social behaviour. We hope this event will send a strong united message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in the Grange but fun can still be had in it without the consumption of alcohol in a supervised environment. I am also delighted that the event was well received and supported by the young people of Omagh. Antrim DPP will be holding an open surgery on Tuesday 7 September 2010, 6.00pm - 7.00pm in the Antrim Civic Centre. The next Lisburn DPP Public Meeting will be held in the Balmoral Hotel, Blacks Road, Dunmurry on Tuesday 21 September 2010 at 7.00pm. The next Derry DPP Public Meeting will be held in Clooney Hall on Tuesday 21 September at 7.30pm. Castlereagh DPP is sponsoring a seminar to explore ways of improving existing services and information for migrant and ethnic minority families experiencing domestic violence. The event is being held in the Hanwood Suite, Dundonald Ice Bowl, Castlereagh on Tuesday 28 September 2010, 10.00am - 1.00pm. The Board s first Chinese Community Engagement Meeting will be held in the Chinese Welfare Association, Stranmillis on Thursday 30 September 2010 from 12noon. Banbridge DPP is supporting a Safer Driving event on 30 September 2010 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at The Outlet, Bridgewater Park, Banbridge. The October Policing Board Meeting in Public will be held at Board Headquarters, Waterside Tower, 31 Clarendon Road, Belfast on Thursday 7 October 2010 from 12noon. The Board s 6th Public Engagement Meeting will be held in the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor on Monday 1 November from 7.00pm. More information on the events listed above can be obtained by contacting the Policing Board or the local DPP Manager.
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk Issue One : September 2010 Page 10 Picture Page This pictorial round up provides details of some other events over the last month. Pictured at the launch of the latest Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Moyle are (l-r) Adrian Proctor, Moyle DPP Manager, Cllr. Robert McIlroy. Chair Moyle DPP, Philip McKeown, Vice Chair Moyle DPP and Con. Thomas Ohlrich. Board Acting Chair, Brian Rea recently met Chair of Down District Council and DPP Members Cllr. Eamonn O Neill to discuss the future of Downpatrick Police Station. Banbridge and Craigavon DPPs recently held a joint public forum for carers in Craigavon Civic Centre. Pictured at the Consulting with Carers event are representatives from Craigavon and Banbridge Councils, DPPs, PSNI, Heath and Social Care organisations, Carers NI, Men s Wellbeing Project and Carers Matter. Pictured at the Nowhere to Run event against domestic violence in Newtownards are (standing l-r) Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, Liam Braniff, Cllr David Smyth, Mayor of Ards, Ald. Jim Shannon MP, Ald Robert Gibson, Mr John Gibson, Ards DPP Vice Chair. (Sitting l-r) Cllr Angus Carson, Ards DPP Chair, Cllr. Michell McIlveen MLA, and C/Insp Phil Knox Area Commander. Pictured at the Countrysafe Initiative Launch in Castlewellan are (l-r) Con. Helen Black PSNI, Down District Council Chairman and DPP Member Cllr Eamonn O Neill, Down DPP Chair, Cllr. Desmond Patterson, Garda Siochana Mounted Unit Officers Andy McDonald and Jerry O Brien and PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Ian Young. Pictured at the launch of the Distracted Drivers are Dangerous campaign in Lisburn are (l-r) Cllr. Andrew Ewing, Area Commander, C/Insp. Darrin Jones and Cllr Arthur Carson Chair of Lisburn DPP. Pictured at a recent PSNI Passing out Parade are (l-r) Martin McAleese, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese; Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Acting Board Chair, Brian Rea. Pictured at the Limavady Custom Cruisers recent road safety event are (l-r) Supt. Muir Clarke, PSNI Roads Policing, and DPP Members Michael Coyle and Rosemary Savage. More details about the event can be viewed at www.districtpolicing.com/ limavady/limavady-newpage-9.htm