Further powers from Justice Act

PCSPs integrate the role of the former District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) and Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and aim to make our community safer.

The Minister also commenced enabling powers to recover costs from legally aided defendants who are convicted in the Crown Court and can clearly afford to pay for their own representation.

Mr Ford said: “The Justice Act, which I took through the Assembly last year, contained provisions that were designed to make the justice system more effective and efficient and to build a fair, just and safer community for all the people of Northern Ireland.

“The measures I am now bringing into operation will make communities safer and will reduce further spending on Legal Aid costs in Northern Ireland.”

Commenting on the creation of PCSPs, Justice Minister Ford said: “The new Policing and Community Safety Partnerships represent a fresh and innovative approach to addressing the issue of community safety, aiming to further enhance community confidence in policing and reduce crime and the fear of crime.

“PCSPs will engage with local communities to identify issues of concern, and work with those communities to deliver initiatives throughout Northern Ireland that tackle the issues that matter most in local neighbourhoods.

“Both DPPs and CSPs have made a significant contribution to policing and community safety over the years. I thank everyone involved for the excellent work that has been done to improve community safety, in partnership with local communities, helping to make Northern Ireland one of the safest places in the UK.

“There is still more to be done however and the streamlined, joined up approach of PCSPs makes sense - everyone working together to make our community safer.”

Also welcoming the new Partnerships, Policing Board Chair Brian Rea said: “Over the last number of years both DPPs and CSPs have worked hard for communities and I would like to place on record sincere thanks for their contributions. However there are some areas where improvements can be made for the benefit of the community and the new PCSPs will help us do that. Both the Board and the Department of Justice are working to make sure that these new partnerships deliver for local communities.”