Police initiatives to be showcased at UK event

The Peer Leadership and Makin Sense projects have both been shortlisted for presentation at the 2010 National Community safety.

The news was revealed during a recent District Policing Partnership meeting at Riada House last Tuesday.

Outlining the schemes which were carried out from October to December, Area Commander John Magill explained: “Neighbourhood officers have continued to deliver the peer leadership programme in conjunction with Cheers Youth Club. Twelve young people successfully completed their courses in December. Neighbourhood Officers are also involved in a new initiative to address anti social behaviour, again in partnership with Cheers. This is known as ‘Young and law and order’ and carries an OCM Level 1 accreditation through CRUN.Two groups of 10 young people from Ballymoney and Dervock are currently participating.

“Neighbourhood Officers will be involved in delivering some of the presentations on anti social behaviour and solvent abuse. Following concerns about solvent abuse in the town centre, an initiative called ‘Makin Sense’ was joint funded by PSNI and Ballymoney Community Safety Partnership. Visual aids a DVD and information packages were purchased and the dangers of solvent abuse delivered in the three secondary schools.

“This, in tandem with focused proactive patrolling and a media strategy appears to have successfully addressed the problem. The Peer Leadership and Makin Sense projects have both been shortlisted for presentation at the 2010 National Community safety from across the UK and would be wonderful opportunity to showcase these initiatives.”