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20/05/2008
Debate On Loss Of Police Support Officers
As revealed in detail last month on 4ni.co.uk, Northern Ireland won't be benefiting from 'Blunkett's Bobbies' - as the UK-wide initiative that puts uniformed support officers onto the streets to help regular police is known.
It was reported here on 1 April that the NI Policing Board's Comprehensive Spending Review to 'balance the budget' for 2008/2009 needed to address 'remaining shortfalls totalling £12.5m', and the Board "reluctantly agreed" that funding for the promised Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) was no longer available.
Now, NI Policing Board member, Dolores Kelly, the SDLP MLA, has insisted the 'news' would have a "severe impact on the delivery of first-class policing".
"There is a real need for the Policing Board and the PSNI to make clear that PCSOs are an integral part of the future of policing in the north, not an afterthought, or an optional add-on," she said.
"However, there should be no need to bring another business case forward to the British Government when the argument has already been won and the project has received approval.
"It does not seem proper for the government on one hand to approve the project, but yet, at the same time, fail to allocate adequate funding to make the scheme a reality."
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said the PSNI would spend £1.1bn this year and the next two years.
"Whilst this is a generous settlement when compared to other UK Police Forces, priorities will still need to be determined by the Policing Board on the most effective way to deploy these resources," it said.
In February 2006, the Policing Board agreed in principle to the recruitment of PCSOs.
Their key role is to provide a high visibility and reassurance to communities.
At that stage it was thought the necessary legislation would be in place by March 2007.
A senior police officer also 'launched ' the concept at the time, which has since then been put further and further back, before finally being shelved in April.
See: Community Support Officers Scrapped
See: PSNI to recruit 1,500 part-time officers
(BMcC)
It was reported here on 1 April that the NI Policing Board's Comprehensive Spending Review to 'balance the budget' for 2008/2009 needed to address 'remaining shortfalls totalling £12.5m', and the Board "reluctantly agreed" that funding for the promised Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) was no longer available.
Now, NI Policing Board member, Dolores Kelly, the SDLP MLA, has insisted the 'news' would have a "severe impact on the delivery of first-class policing".
"There is a real need for the Policing Board and the PSNI to make clear that PCSOs are an integral part of the future of policing in the north, not an afterthought, or an optional add-on," she said.
"However, there should be no need to bring another business case forward to the British Government when the argument has already been won and the project has received approval.
"It does not seem proper for the government on one hand to approve the project, but yet, at the same time, fail to allocate adequate funding to make the scheme a reality."
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said the PSNI would spend £1.1bn this year and the next two years.
"Whilst this is a generous settlement when compared to other UK Police Forces, priorities will still need to be determined by the Policing Board on the most effective way to deploy these resources," it said.
In February 2006, the Policing Board agreed in principle to the recruitment of PCSOs.
Their key role is to provide a high visibility and reassurance to communities.
At that stage it was thought the necessary legislation would be in place by March 2007.
A senior police officer also 'launched ' the concept at the time, which has since then been put further and further back, before finally being shelved in April.
See: Community Support Officers Scrapped
See: PSNI to recruit 1,500 part-time officers
(BMcC)
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20 November 2003
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DPPs tour PSNI Training College
The Police Service College opened its doors to members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) today to showcase the vital police work carried out by a number of police departments.
20 November 2002
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
25 April 2007
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
11 December 2017
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
