Ballymena police officer and neighbourhood team are on Awards Shortlist

They will be competing against nominees from across Northern Ireland in the award scheme, organised by the Police Service in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Once again, there are eight categories - Probationer Police Officer of the Year, Problem Solving in Partnership Award, Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year, Police Staff member of the Year , Police Officer of the Year, Diversity in Action Award, Police Staff Lifetime Achievement Award and Police Lifetime Achievement Award.

Each category is judged by a panel drawn from the Police Service, the Policing Board and independent external representatives with the winners announced at a gala event later this month.

On the shortlist, Ballymena Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) work hard to ensure communities are at the heart of what they do. They achieve this by listening to the community, acting on information or concerns that they raise and updating them on actions taken.

There have been a number of successes...In relation to tackling the issue of drugs the team delivered Crimestoppers leaflets door to door in areas where it was suspected drug dealing was taking place. They then put in place a high visibility police presence to disrupt supply.

This was followed by a successful major operation, whereby 20 house searches were conducted in one day.

In the last year, cocaine with an estimated street value of 50k was seized in Ballykeel, cannabis plants with a street value of 65K were seized in Dunclug, while ecstasy with a street value of 50k and herbal cannibas with a street value of 70K were seized in the Moorfields Road area.

Ballymena NPT has also been using the powers conferred to them by Anti-social legislation to benefit local neighbourhoods which has resulted in:

• 268 ASBO warning letters

• 15 Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts

• 38 ASBOs in operation

This pro-active approach has led to a reduction in crime and the fear of crime, while enhancing confidence in policing and improving multi agency working

The success of the team’s approach is measured on feedback from communities, who have been given a respite from issues that were negatively impacting on their quality of life. A number of offenders have also been assisted in turning away from a life of crime.

The area has experienced a four year reduction in instances of Criminal Damage (36% decrease) and of Anti-Social behaviour (18% decrease).

In October 2009, Ballymena NPT planned and led an operation targeting young drivers causing annoyance and driving unsafe vehicles.

Working in partnership with Vehicle testing, HM Revenue & Customs, the Council and Road Policing, advice was issued to drivers and vehicles were examined at the MOT centre to ensure vehicles safety. A number of persons were prosecuted for motoring offences, warnings were given and fixed penalty notices issued for a variety of offences.

Also shortlisted, Inspector Jack McClean has made a real difference in H District and in particular within the Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart area. Up to 10,000 visitors from across Northern Ireland can enter the area on a Saturday night to access entertainment at a range of premises and Inspector McClean ensures that a highly visible and responsive police service is in place to enhance community safety.

The Inspector has liaised with owners and managers of licensed premises and developed working agreements with door staff and this engagement has resulted in quick intervention at scenes of disorder or potential disorder. Inspector McClean’s personal approach has resulted in licensees contacting him directly to seek advice and guidance.

He has also engaged with the local District Policing Partnerships and attended community groups, youth groups, schools, young farmers club, and ethnic minority meetings to give talks and presentations on conflict resolution and mediation.”