Police team in line for award

LURGAN'S Neighbourhood Policing Team has been shortlisted in the Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year category at this year's Policing with the Community Awards.

They will be competing against nominees from across Northern Ireland.

The award scheme, organised by the Police Service in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, is in its seventh year.

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Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have been engaging with the local community to address issues of concern.

In Waringstown and North Lurgan initiatives have been instigated to begin the process of addressing legacy issues.

This has led to a reduction in community tension and enhanced community confidence.

In 2009, Lurgan NPT took a robust stance on the issue of alcohol consumption at parades. This led to a reduction in the level of anti-social behaviour and subsequently increased enjoyment for those who attended the events.

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Lurgan NPT also take an active role in “Get Home Safe", a partnership between the local Community Safety Partnership, Council, licensees and fast food establishments.

The initiative uses a free bus to take night-time economy customers home. This has significantly reduced the number of assaults and anti-social behaviour incidents in the town and has also had a positive impact on the trade for the night time economy.

Explaining the rationale behind the awards Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “The Policing with the Community Awards allow us to publicly recognise and reward outstanding examples of local police officers and police staff engaging in partnership with local people to find local solutions to local problems.

"Nominations for all eight categories have come through District Commanders with, in many cases, input from District Policing Partnerships, community groups and individual members of the community.”

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There are eight categories in total; 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. Winners will be announced at a gala event in May.

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