I wanted to show my support to the people of the City, to the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, his officers and staff, but to also hear first hand from people locally and get a sense of their feeling in the aftermath of yet another, thankfully unsuccessful, attack on the people of that City.
I went out on patrol in the City Centre, walked the walls and met with local community and business representatives and members of the clergy.
The conversations reminded me of how people from all sides and backgrounds are working together to ensure that this City has a bright and positive future and that those who are pursuing a very different agenda remain isolated. Quite frankly a few years ago these conversations simply would not have been taking place and I am very grateful to those who have stepped forward to support and advocate for the Police Service in Derry and in many other areas across Northern Ireland.
The events not just in the City of Derry but in North and West Belfast in recent days show the determination of a small minority of people to disrupt normal community life and to injure or kill the officers who police in those communities. The signficance of the device located in the grounds of the Dwyers GAC on the Grosvenor Road earlier this week may have been lost. This was a viable coffee jar type device which had it been picked up or inadvertently dislodged would have without doubt casued death or serious injury . During this clearance operation homes were evacuated, shops closed and access to the Royal Victoria Hospital disrupted. This disruption affected so many people; familes, school children, businesses and the sick needing access to hospital.
I have great concern for the safety of the public as these people recklessly leave devices in their own communities. I am also concerned for the safety of my officers who are working to deliver the community based policing service people are asking us for . But I am sad that people, who tell us they are campaigning on behalf of their communities, would treat the lives of those living there with such little respect. They don't appear to care that with any one of these devices, they could kill or seriously injure their next door neighbour, a child, an older person. It is beyond words, beyond comprehension.
I received a briefing from Chief Superintendent Martin yesterday on how he and his officers and staff are working around the clock with extra patrols to keep people safe. But whilst we will do everything we possibly can to detect and frustrate those who attempt to carry out acts of terror, history has shown that a security solution alone can never totally eradicate terrorism.
What I witnessed first hand yesterday was group of people who are absolutely determined to make sure the mistakes of the past are not repeated, that the young people of Derry have a bright and promising future, and that they have a Police Service who consistently strive to provide a personal, professional and protective service.
I share their vision and I firmly believe that their actions and united voices are more powerful than anything else. Everyone has a part to play, everyone has a voice and a degree of influence, people must speak out. Together that collective, positive influence can define our future
The events not just in the City of Derry but in North and West Belfast in recent days show the determination of a small minority of people to disrupt normal community life and to injure or kill the officers who police in those communities. The signficance of the device located in the grounds of the Dwyers GAC on the Grosvenor Road earlier this week may have been lost. This was a viable coffee jar type device which had it been picked up or inadvertently dislodged would have without doubt casued death or serious injury . During this clearance operation homes were evacuated, shops closed and access to the Royal Victoria Hospital disrupted. This disruption affected so many people; familes, school children, businesses and the sick needing access to hospital.
I have great concern for the safety of the public as these people recklessly leave devices in their own communities. I am also concerned for the safety of my officers who are working to deliver the community based policing service people are asking us for . But I am sad that people, who tell us they are campaigning on behalf of their communities, would treat the lives of those living there with such little respect. They don't appear to care that with any one of these devices, they could kill or seriously injure their next door neighbour, a child, an older person. It is beyond words, beyond comprehension.
I received a briefing from Chief Superintendent Martin yesterday on how he and his officers and staff are working around the clock with extra patrols to keep people safe. But whilst we will do everything we possibly can to detect and frustrate those who attempt to carry out acts of terror, history has shown that a security solution alone can never totally eradicate terrorism.
What I witnessed first hand yesterday was group of people who are absolutely determined to make sure the mistakes of the past are not repeated, that the young people of Derry have a bright and promising future, and that they have a Police Service who consistently strive to provide a personal, professional and protective service.
I share their vision and I firmly believe that their actions and united voices are more powerful than anything else. Everyone has a part to play, everyone has a voice and a degree of influence, people must speak out. Together that collective, positive influence can define our future
Just like to pass my condolences on to your organisation for the loss of one of your brave young officers. I was left very upset by yesterday's news, it's a terrible and cruel thing to have happened. His family and colleagues are in my thoughts.
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