NIO's Policing Proposals Unveiled

One of the last initiatives to be undertaken by the man currently responsible for policing and justice matters has been launched.

While the Stormont Minister who takes up the devolved portfolio covering policing will make the final decision, the NIO has opened consultation on its proposals to strengthen policing and community safety. Published by Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins, the paper recommends the creation of 11 single partnerships to be known as Crime Reduction Partnerships.

These will cover all of the existing functions of Community Safety Partnerships and District Policing Partnerships.

This will be to coincide with the establishment of new councils planned for May 2011.

Paul Goggins said: "Community Safety Partnerships and District Policing Partnerships have made a real difference to the communities of Northern Ireland delivering local solutions and increasing local accountability.

"There is a growing consensus, however, that the time is now right to bring the expertise and skills of these partnerships together in order to 'join up' the important functions of accountability, public engagement and local delivery," he said.

"Local policing and community safety affects everyone and can have a major impact on the quality of life in every neighbourhood," the Minister continued.

"It is important that everyone has the opportunity to comment on the proposals for the creation of these single partnerships.

"The development of these policies reflects extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders over the last year, but, final decisions will, of course, be taken by the Justice Minister following devolution," he said.

The Acting Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Brian Rea, welcomed the launch.

"The Board has consistently been of the view that there should be a single partnership and welcomes the Government's decision to take this forward.

"Members will be considering the proposals outlined in the consultation document in detail and will provide the government with a response in due course," he commented.

(BMcC/GK)