Policing Board campaigns for 'problem solving' involvement

The Policing Board has urged people across Northern Ireland to get involved in solving policing problems in their areas by joining the District Policing Partnerships.

Launching the recruitment campaign for independent members of the District Policing Partnerships (DPPs), Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea said that the success of the venture depended on the public’s willingness to play a part.

The high profile promotional campaign will include television, press and radio advertising. Ten ‘Information Evenings’ will also be held across Northern Ireland between September 9 and 24 to encourage people to become involved.

Following this initial awareness campaign people will have the chance to submit applications from September 23. Short listing and interviews will take place between by the end of November after which time the Board will appoint the independent members.

Professor Rea said people were concerned about rising crime rates in Northern Ireland, he added: “Crimes such as vandalism, burglary, drug abuse and domestic violence are all things we would like to see an end to. But it is clear that the police need our help in tackling these problems if things are to change for the better.

“My fellow members and I have made the commitment to playing our part at a Northern Ireland level. Now we want others to do the same at a local level. By applying to join their local District Policing Partnership people will be sending a clear message that they want a safer society and are prepared to do something about it."

He said that to be effective the DPPs needed representation from a broad range of interests in the community and people ready to work hard to improve the quality of life in their area.

He hoped the campaign would encourage people from all backgrounds and walks of life to come forward so that voices from all communities could be heard.

The DPPs will work in close co-operation with District Councils across Northern Ireland and when established early next year they will operate as sub-committees of the local councils.

The recruitment phase of the campaign is being managed independently by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

(SP)