Policing In NI Takes Another Step Forward

Thu, 11 March 2010 Courtesy of: Northern Ireland Office

The Government has today launched a consultation paper setting out proposals for new arrangements to strengthen policing and community safety across all local communities in Northern Ireland.

Published by Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins, the paper recommends the creation of 11 single partnerships (to be known as Crime Reduction Partnerships) covering all of the existing functions of Community Safety Partnerships and District Policing Partnerships to coincide with the establishment of new councils planned for May 2011.

Paul Goggins said “Community Safety Partnerships and District Policing Partnerships have made a real difference to the communities of Northern Ireland delivering local solutions and increasing local accountability.

“The Board has consistently been of the view that there should be a single partnership”

“There is a growing consensus, however, that the time is now right to bring the expertise and skills of these partnerships together in order to join up the important functions of accountability, public engagement and local delivery.

“Local policing and community safety affects everyone and can have a major impact on the quality of life in every neighbourhood. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to comment on the proposals for the creation of these single partnerships.

“The development of these policies reflects extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders over the last year. Final decisions will, of course, be taken by the Justice Minister following devolution.”

Commenting on the consultation, Edwin Poots, Minister for the Department of the Environment said “The work on this review will support the development of community planning. This will facilitate new ways of working across a range of issues to provide more cohesive service delivery and improved outcomes for citizens.”

The Acting Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Brian Rea, welcomed the launch saying, “The Board has consistently been of the view that there should be a single partnership and welcomes the government's decision to take this forward. Members will be considering the proposals outlined in the consultation document in detail and will provide the government with a response in due course.”

Community Safety Partnerships were established in 2003 by the Northern Ireland Office, in response to the Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland (“the Criminal Justice Review”). They are voluntary multi-agency partnerships which deliver initiatives at district council level to reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime.

District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) are partnerships between local councils and representatives of the local community. They were established under the Police (NI) Act 2002 to identify local policing priorities, based on consultation with the public, and monitor police performance against the Local Policing Plan.

There are currently 26 CSPs and 26 DPPs, plus the Belfast DPP has four sub-groups.

The Government is now proposing to create 11 single partnerships, covering all of the existing functions of CSPs and DPPs.

The consultation paper is available at www.nio.gov.uk and the consultation period ends on 6 May 2010.