Justice Minister visits Ballymena Police Station

The Minister met with Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard who is the commander in charge of the ‘H’ District that comprises Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle, Ballymena and Larne.

Mr Ford said: "Since taking up the post of Justice Minister, I have found it very valuable to discuss policing issues first-hand with officers serving their communities throughout the province. Each District clearly has its own issues and I commend the PSNI’s approach to community policing, addressing local issues in partnership with the community.

“It is clear that Nigel Goddard and his officers are committed to delivering effective and efficient neighbourhood policing, which is responsive to the needs of the community.”

The Minister also heard about an innovative project that the PSNI is taking forward in partnership with other criminal justice agencies and health, supported by the Department of Justice, to reduce offending in the area.

Mr Ford added: "Taking practical steps to reduce offending at the local level is an important part of building safer communities. I know that substance misuse is a real concern locally and am pleased that the justice sector, the police and health are working together to target offenders with drug misuse problems.

Such offenders often commit crimes to support their addictions and a joined-up approach to tackling this problem is critical.

"By intervening at arrest, the individual can be helped to address their offending by getting treatment services and medical support,” he said.