Update on metal thefts

Also on the agenda was the introduction of Community Impact Statements, policing arrangements for forthcoming City of Culture events and the type and number of complaints received by the Office of the Police Ombudsman from residents in the Council area.

Veronica Holland, from the Department of Justice, advised members on the introduction of Community Impact Statements and the role of the PCSP in facilitating this process, while DS James Montgomery provided an update on what PSNI and its partners in the Department of Rural Development, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and BT are doing to tackle metal thefts in the council area.

Inspector Tony Callaghan provided an overview to members on how upcoming City of Culture events will be policed and the impact that the G8 Summit may have on policing locally, and Tim Gracey from the Officer of the Police Ombudsman updated the policing committee in relation to the number and profile of complaints received against PSNI officers in Foyle. Denis Ferguson from the Public Protection Arrangements (NI), Strategy.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Paul Fleming, chairman of Londonderry PCSP said: “Our meeting with these agencies was extremely informative for members. The presentations received were in direct response to issues raised by members at previous meetings and provided elected and independent members the opportunity to seek clarification and raise related concerns with PSNI and partner justice agencies. We will be following up on a number of matters raised at the meeting and look forward to further engagement in the coming months.”