Citizens wanted for new policing parternship

The NIPB is about to appoint 237 independent members to the new PCSPs across the 26 district council areas.

Board Chair Brian Rea has urged people in the community to step forward and apply for this ‘unique but very important role’.

There will be an information meeting on Tuesday 17th Januaryat Dungannon’s Bank House Hotel.

Mr Rea said: “If you have resolved to get more involved in your community this year and do something that can make a tangible difference, then applying to become an Independent Member of your local PCSP presents a perfect opportunity to do just that.

“PCSPs are new statutory bodies being established under the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Bringing together within a single partnership the functions and responsibilities currently undertaken by District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) and Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) the new PCSPs will be focused on the policing and community safety issues that matter most in each local council area.

“Over the last 10 years people have played an important part in making policing change happen and improving the service provided to the community. That contribution remains just as important in the future if we are to really deliver a safer society for everyone. The new PCSPs will build on the work that has already been taken forward by DPPs and CSPs and both the Board and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are working to make sure that these new partnerships deliver for local communities.

“Independent PCSP Members will have an important role in maintaining public confidence in policing and ensuring that the voices of local people are heard on the issues that matter most. Working alongside political members (councillors) who will be appointed by the Councils, they will also work with the statutory and voluntary sector and people in the area to identify and develop local solutions to policing and community safety issues. Issues like anti-social behaviour, crimes such as burglary and dealing with issues that help ensure the vulnerable feel safer.

“PCSPs will be responsible for consulting and engaging with the community to identify policing and community safety issues in local areas and then plan how these can be tackled. They will monitor police performance through a Policing Committee and work to build relationships with the police and the community to assist in crime prevention. Ultimately PCSPs are being established to deliver a reduction in crime and enhance community safety.

“To make the new partnerships work we need people to step forward who have a real interest in their local area. We are looking for people who can represent their community and convey local opinion on the policing and community safety issues and concerns most affecting their community. That understanding and experience could be gained through employment or through participation in the community or voluntary sector,” said Mr Rea.

So if you are up for a new challenge for the New Year and want to help improve the safety of the community you live in find out more about the PCSPs and how to apply to become an independent member from the Board’s website at www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/pcsprecruitment; by phone: 028 9040 8566; by email: [email protected]; or writing to: PCSP Recruitment, Northern Ireland Policing Board, Waterside Tower, 31 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock, Belfast, BT1 3BG.