'˜We want to improve confidence' - PSNI chief

The Partnership (PCSP), which was established in June 2015, has specific statutory authority for oversight of local policing and gaining the co-operation of the public with the police in preventing crime and enhancing community safety within the district. This model of oversight provided by the Policing Committee through its political and independent membership, is an effective way of achieving this goal.

Commenting on the role of the Policing Committee, PCSP Chair, Alderman William King said “We will work to ensure effective engagement with the Police and the local community to reflect the involvement, views and priorities of local people”.

Superintendent John Magill added, “We want to improve community confidence in policing, and engagement with local people is key. Meetings such as this provide valuable opportunities to hear directly the issues that affect the community most and to engage on the subjects that matter.”

Guest speaker at the event was Chair of Northern Ireland Policing Board, Anne Connolly who said, “The PCSP Policing Committees offer a powerful mechanism to identify and monitor key policing issues in our communities. People are very keen that their locality is adequately policed, that there is a visible police presence and that important community concerns such as anti-social behaviour are being properly dealt with. One of the key roles of the PCSP is to reflect the views of the community on local policing and work with the police and partner agencies to ensure that issues are being addressed.”

Membership includes elected members of Council and publicly appointed members of the community.