Condolences to Greater Manchester Police colleagues

It was with a deep sense of sadness that I heard about the deaths of two colleagues from Greater Manchester Police yesterday.

Whilst details are still emerging, Constables Fiona Bone (32) and Nicola Hughes (23) had been called to attend what was reported to be a domestic burglary.

Tragically, it appears they had been callously lured to their deaths. Sadly this scenario is all too familiar having lost so many of my colleagues in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Policing is an extended family and when colleagues are killed, particularly in the line of duty, that sense of loss is felt right across the entire policing community locally, nationally and internationally.

I know Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy personally and as I watched him last night speaking to the media, it was very clear that Greater Manchester Police had lost two excellent colleagues and the community in which they served had lost two fine young police officers.

Yesterday morning they had started their shift and were out there doing the job they loved; helping, supporting and reassuring the people of Hattersley.

Our Chief Constable has written to Sir Peter offering the sincere condolences of the officers and staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and any help and support whatsoever that we may be able to offer at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are very much with the families of Fiona and Nicola, and our colleagues in Greater Manchester, at this very sad and difficult time.

Policing with the Community endorsed

This week I have been involved in judging, along with the Policing Board Chairman and senior colleagues including a representative from the Police Federation, applications for the Police Officer of the Year Award 2012.  

There are eight categories in all, two of these where members of the public can nominate an individual officer or a Neighbourhood Policing Team for a Policing with the Community Award.   

It is really encouraging to see the number of officers who were nominated by members of the public or by partner organisations, and to read about the breadth and depth of work that is going on across the districts and departments.  This work was also publicly endorsed at the start of the week by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate's report into Policing with the Community.  So selecting the winners was an extremely difficult decision to make.  

The past few days have shown the wide range of challenges faced by police officers, often involving exposure to grave personal risk. Despite these challenges, police officers and staff are pushing the boundaries every single day to work closely with communities to deliver personal professional and protective policing.  Today police officers, supported by police staff, will be out and about as usual all over Belfast and across Northern Ireland, delivering a policing service in partnership with the community.  

The very many initiatives highlighted in the applications also show how communities have embraced policing, working together to make very significant differences in tackling crime and addressing ‘quality of life' issues which can have a great impact on local areas.    

We need to build on the success of these initiatives in partnership with Executive Departments and local agencies, to ensure that those areas of greatest need receive the support they require to make a real long term difference.  

I want to thank those members of the public and representatives from such a variety of partner agencies who took the time to complete and submit applications.   We welcome feedback, both positive and negative, on how we provide a policing service to everyone.   

As a member of the Judging Panel, it was a pleasure to read so many encouraging comments.  I look forward to the announcement in the next few weeks of who will be the 2012 Police Officer and Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year.

Finding solutions

For me, the last seven days have presented stark contrasts. From the vexed issue of Parades, where we all hope local resolutions that truly respect everyone's cultural traditions and beliefs can be reached through dialogue; to the number of positive examples of how diverse groups are working together and with the police, regardless of their differences to make things better in and for their local communities.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending the 6th Belfast Mela - an extravaganza of pulsating music, vibrant colour, tantalising tastes and exotic smells held annually in the Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Around 30,000 people from all backgrounds, ages and faiths came together to acknowledge and witness first hand the positive contribution that people from the Indian and other communities have made to life in Northern Ireland.

On Tuesday I visited the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle, an important part of our own indigenous culture and heritage. Again thousands of people from all backgrounds across Northern Ireland and further afield descended on the town of Ballycastle to experience everything the fair is famous for. I even partook of some of the famous dulse and yellow man.

Yesterday I visited Newcastle to meet with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and staff and volunteers at the Kairos Centre. The centre is reaching out into the local community to provide all sorts of activities and support to help some of the most vulnerable young people and adults living in the local area.

This week reminded me that despite some very real and continuing deep-seated difficulties, there are so many examples of where local communities are reaching out and across to their neighbours and working together in the background out of the public eye to support each other and find solutions to those issues which matter most.

More Than Just ‘Street Talk’

I have spent today visiting colleagues in the North West.

This morning I started off in Strabane where I had the chance to meet with the local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Andy Lemon and patrol with members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team. I had the privilege of meeting with a number of local representatives who have clearly taken risks to engage with police and work with them to make a difference to address issues that matter to the local community.

This afternoon I had the opportunity to walk the Peace bridge in Derry/Londonderry. This was my first opportunity to do so since its completion. What a truly magnificent, iconic and inspirational symbol in the City.

I then visited the Playhouse where 'Street Talk' a partnership initiative involving young people was being launched. This cross community project was jointly pioneered by the International Culture Arts Network and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Involving four areas, Magherafelt, Foyle , Limavady and Strabane it uses the media of DJ'ing, graffiti and animation to provide an opportunity for young people to use and develop their skills with the help of professional artists. The work of the young people on display was absolutely fantastic.

A recent thematic review, undertaken by the Policing Board, identified that whilst the Service recognised the role young people play in any effective policing strategy, children and young people had indicated that they can have very different experiences of the police depending where they live. This is one of a number of important partnership initiatives which provides the opportunity for police officers and young people to work directly with each other to share experiences, break down barriers and create greater understanding.

This has clearly been a very positive initiative which has changed perceptions both on the part of police officers and young people - and I hope to see it replicated in other areas across Northern Ireland .

Preparations underway for our own Olympics

I have been enjoying a few weeks off recently but as well as spending some time relaxing away with my family I have been closely following the success of Team's GB and Northern Ireland, and Team Ireland at the Olympics.

Whether you're into sport or not, the entire country seems to be glued to their televisions following the progress of our sports men and women as they exceed all expectations on what already appears to be the most successful Olympics for many years.

It is exciting to think that this time next year we will be hosting our very own 'Olympics' in the form of the third largest sporting event in the world, the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). Taking place between the 1st and 10th of August, in Belfast, it promises to be one of the most spectacular events to ever come to Northern Ireland with the prospect of over 25,000 visitors and competitors from over 70 countries.

Preparations are well under way to facilitate the 66 sports across 41 venues and I want to pay tribute to the fantastic work of the World Police and Fire Games Company who have been tasked with the delivery of the Games.

Just like the Olympics, there are lots of opportunities for people to become involved by volunteering to assist in a range of activities to ensure that the WPFG is the very best, most successful and friendliest Games it can possibly be. I would encourage everyone, when volunteer registration opens in September, to consider becoming involved by signing up to assist and if you would like to find out how you can, just visit the WPFG website at www.2013wpfg.com

As chair of the WPFG Board I am really looking forward to the Games and the experience of our very own 'Olympics' right here on our doorstep.

Keeping safe this summer

As many prepare to head of locally or further afield for a break over the summer months, I want to remind you all that a few simple precautions which in addition to keeping you and your family safe while you are away, will help ensure your property is protected during your travels.

Unfortunately criminals know that many homes and businesses will be unoccupied for extended periods of time in the weeks ahead and they will seek to exploit this where possible.

If you are leaving your home unattended, arrange for someone you trust to visit it regularly and remove any build up of post, cancel any regular deliveries such as milk or papers and use timers to bring lights or a radio on in different areas of your home during the hours of darkness to give the impression that there is someone at home. If you do not have an alarm fitted, give serious consideration to having one installed - not only is this a deterrent but will audibly alert people that something is not right. If you own a business similar precautions are worth considering.

If you are travelling on the roads whether at home or abroad, check your vehicle is safe to travel, carefully plan your journey, know your route and make sure that you have a means to call for assistance whether it's a fully charged mobile phone, some cash or a phone card. Don't stop if someone flags you down and only give lifts to people that you know. Also keep your doors locked and your valuables hidden from view.

When driving abroad it is important to concentrate fully, do not become distracted and remember to stop somewhere safe if you want to have a look around - remember criminals abroad will try to exploit every opportunity just the same as at home and will try to take advantage of those who may be less familiar with their surroundings.

Think carefully about where you will store money and personal documents, such as passports. Only carry the money that you need at that time and make sure that you conceal it or keep a firm hold on your bag. If there is safe make sure that you use it.

Further crime prevention advice is available on our website at http://www.psni.police.uk/

It's very easy to become overly concerned about personal and home safety but by taking some very practical and simple precautions the chances of becoming a victim of crime whilst away from home will be greatly reduced.

I hope you all, whether holidaying at home or abroad, have a very enjoyable, relaxing and most importantly safe summer.

Graduation success for Kilcooley Women’s Centre

I was delighted yesterday morning to have been invited by Kilcooley Women's Centre to attend their 17th annual graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievement of learners.

Receiving certificates were dozens of women, and a few men, who had taken up the challenge of developing their skills and knowledge through further learning.  It was a diverse group of all ages and backgrounds and many of them had overcome significant personal challenges and demonstrated a sheer determination to do something that many would simply think too difficult.  The was a real sense of achievement as the ladies and gentlemen came forward to receive certificates ranging  from make-up to crafts, computers to maths, GCSE  English and Psychology and British/Irish History to Peace and Reconciliation.  I had the pleasure of chatting with many of the recipients afterwards and want again to add my sincere congratulations to every one of them.

It was very clear to me the fantastic support which the centre is providing to the local community.  People who see the potential in everyone regardless of who they are or where they have come from - it was truly inspiring to see so many people working together not just to develop individuals but for the greater good of their local community.

I understand that there are around 250 women enrolled in educational classes and some of those who have participated have literally been handed a lifeline and an opportunity to turn their lives around.  The centre is literally 'bringing education to the heart of the community.'

I was also pleased to see the local Neighbourhood Police Officers in attendance and this was further evidence of how important it is for the police to work with and in the local community and for the local community to work with the police.