It’s hard to get away from talking about the ongoing protests and public disorder. To be honest it’s quite depressing to be still having to blog about this matter 40 + days after it all began.
I had hoped that common sense would prevail and that somehow those who disagree with the decision about the Union Flag would have found some other way to deal with their anger and frustration. I am appalled that almost 100 police officers have been injured, millions of pounds of the policing budget diverted, which could have been used for more positive things, thousands of pounds of damage caused to homes, property and police equipment, and communities wrecked, to say nothing of the potential to damage many years of community reconciliation which people have worked so hard to develop.
The damage internationally will have a long legacy. We have already heard stories of almost empty planes landing at our airports, the very significant financial loss to our retail, food and hospitality industry and even if the protests were to end tomorrow it will take some months to recover from the economic impact. No doubt much needed jobs will be lost. We are getting queries from people who are thinking twice about coming to Northern Ireland for major events such as the World Police and Fire Games, an event which can potentially bring up to 25,000 people to Northern Ireland and millions of pounds to the economy.
Over the weekend you saw the images of police officers intervening as Northern Ireland's deep seated, raw sectarianism was evidenced on the Albert Bridge Road. I saw images on the news of children, one small boy I would say was no older than about 11, joining in with older youths to throw masonry at police officers. Many will rightly ask about parental control in that situation. To date 112 people, many of them young, have been arrested with 85 charged with offences. Their choice to become involved in street disorder may well have an impact much longer after the protests have finished. Given the choice - and it is a choice - no-one wants this future for our young people.
I appeal, in fact I plead, that everyone whether an elected representative, community worker, parent, person of influence or individual who cares about the future of our young people does everything they can to stop this ongoing situation. Find another way to voice your anger rather than engaging in street protest. And if you feel you must protest, do it legally and peacefully, notifying the appropriate authorities in advance. It’s still not too late to find another way to try to resolve this issue. Violence is not and will not be the answer. If our troubled past has taught us nothing, it has surely taught us this.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Friday, 4 January 2013
Welcoming the New Year with continued safety
I welcome the fact that the number of people dying on our roads is at the lowest level since records began in 1931. Since this date a total of 14,570 people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads.
Last year 48 deaths were recorded, but this is still far too many. This is almost one death per week and 48 families who grieve over the loss of a loved one is 48 families too many. Tragically, these figures include five children who died, an increase from two last year.
Despite the very many challenges your Police Service faces, the reduction shows that we will not be distracted from working together with our partner agencies to increase education and undertake enforcement to continue to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The sad reality is that many of these deaths could have been avoided. Inattention including the use of mobile phones whilst driving, speed and alcohol continue to be significant factors which are the cause of serious collisions, and it is very disappointing that whilst the message of drinking and driving is getting through, in the run up to Christmas we still detected over 130 motorists who were unfit to drive.
The requirement to deploy significant numbers of police officers to deal with the ongoing flag protests can serve to distract us from other important areas of policing, such as the prevention of road deaths and indeed the prevention and detection of really serious crimes such as the murder of Jason McGovern and the attempted murder of a police colleague and his close family earlier this week.
Our resources are not infinite and we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that we prioritise police officers and staff into those areas which require them the most, but at the same time try to ensure that other important areas do not suffer. There is no policing solution to the ongoing flag protests. The Police Service will continue to do everything we can, while those with influence must renew their efforts to find a peaceful solution to community concerns.
Last year 48 deaths were recorded, but this is still far too many. This is almost one death per week and 48 families who grieve over the loss of a loved one is 48 families too many. Tragically, these figures include five children who died, an increase from two last year.
Despite the very many challenges your Police Service faces, the reduction shows that we will not be distracted from working together with our partner agencies to increase education and undertake enforcement to continue to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The sad reality is that many of these deaths could have been avoided. Inattention including the use of mobile phones whilst driving, speed and alcohol continue to be significant factors which are the cause of serious collisions, and it is very disappointing that whilst the message of drinking and driving is getting through, in the run up to Christmas we still detected over 130 motorists who were unfit to drive.
The requirement to deploy significant numbers of police officers to deal with the ongoing flag protests can serve to distract us from other important areas of policing, such as the prevention of road deaths and indeed the prevention and detection of really serious crimes such as the murder of Jason McGovern and the attempted murder of a police colleague and his close family earlier this week.
Our resources are not infinite and we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that we prioritise police officers and staff into those areas which require them the most, but at the same time try to ensure that other important areas do not suffer. There is no policing solution to the ongoing flag protests. The Police Service will continue to do everything we can, while those with influence must renew their efforts to find a peaceful solution to community concerns.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Get Home Safe this New Year
As Christmas seems almost as far away as ever many people will be preparing to celebrate the arrival of 2013.
If you are planning to go out over the New Year period we want you to be safe. Whilst the risk of becoming a victim of crime is low there are a number of simple steps that you can take to make sure that you keep safe. Many incidents are opportunistic in nature and therefore your actions can make a real difference.
If you are outdoors:
- Stay in bright, well-lit and busy areas.
- Look and act confident.
- Get a personal attack alarm. They are available from DIY stores or ask your local Crime Prevention Officer.
- If you are in a club or pub watch your drink - do not leave it unattended and if you have to leave for any reason, stay with friends.
- Have definite arrangements for getting home and stay together in a group.
When carrying a bag or valuables:
- Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards.
- If possible carry your things in a small bag across your body, under your outer coat.
- Spread your valuables around. For example, carry your house keys in your pocket, your phone in your bag and your money in your jacket.
- Try not to advertise your valuables, mobile phone, laptop, MP3 player, jewellery, watches.
- If someone tries to take something and you feel in danger, let it go.
If you are alone and think that you being followed:
- You can check if someone is following you by crossing the street – more than once, if necessary.
- Go to the nearest busy place or well-lit area and call the police on 999.
- Avoid enclosed spaces, e.g. an enclosed telephone box, as you could become trapped inside.
- If you are in immediate danger and there are other people about, call out for help.
There is more advice on our website http://www.psni.police.uk/
It is also important to remember our 'One Punch' campaign. Since 2004, 20 people have died as a result of One Punch attacks and many more have been seriously injured.
With just One Punch, lives have been destroyed and families’ lives have been wrecked. The majority of these incidents are fuelled by alcohol and can have a devastating impact on the victim and their family. The offender will likely face a murder or manslaughter charge and have a criminal record for the rest of their life, this type of conviction also imposes restrictions on their ability to travel. One moment of madness can have drastic consequences.
Be assured that we will have officers on duty across your area helping to keep you safe but we do need your help.
Have a great New Year, but most importantly, Get Home Safe.
Monday, 17 December 2012
A personal Christmas appeal
It is disappointing that just over one week to Christmas that I find myself blogging about protests, threats and disorder on our streets. And whilst it is not my place to get drawn into the politics of decisions around flags and emblems, inevitably these decisions can have a very significant impact on your Police Service.
Over the past few weeks the officers and staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been working tirelessly to try and facilitate peaceful protest and appropriately deal with those intent on violence, while at the same time, ensuring that everyone going about their normal business making Christmas preparations can do so safely.
In addition we have also had to contend with the series of threats and attacks on our elected representatives, which I absolutely and utterly condemn. The Police Service will continue to work closely with each of these members of our community to advise and support them.
I am appalled and condemn the attacks which have injured police officers and in particular, the disgraceful attempted murder of my colleague in East Belfast, when a petrol bomb was thrown into her police car.
Our officers and staff, like everyone else, have preparations to make in the run up to Christmas and unfortunately these recent events have meant longer hours for many, and family events being missed.
Despite all these challenges, we have the responsibility to continue providing the normal 24/7 policing service. Our 'Season's Greetings' operation is ongoing across Northern Ireland and all sorts of advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming the victim of crime this Christmas is available on our website www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safetywww.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safety
All of these recent events come at a cost. Not just personal and financial for policing, but the economic cost to those businesses who were counting on a much needed Christmas boost. I have been listening to media reports about reductions in footfall in our towns and cities, accommodation cancellations and all this has the potential to have a much longer economic impact way beyond the current protests.
I appeal to everyone involved, or thinking of becoming involved in these protests to be responsible and to think about the longer term impact of their actions.
I welcome the joint statement of the First and deputy First Ministers and ask those within our Assembly and communities, who have influence, to give responsible leadership.
I ask young people who may see this as a chance to become involved in disorder to think carefully. Your actions can have a life long impact on your ability to go onto further education, seek employment or to travel. If you become involved there is a very good chance that you will be caught and dealt with appropriately.
This is not a situation of our making, but I want to reassure you that your Police Service will do everything it can in the days ahead to ensure that, in so far as possible, everyone can go about their business in safety and with minimum disruption.
Despite everything, Belfast and Northern Ireland is still a relatively safe place and by everyone taking sensible precautions, respecting the law and taking responsibility for their own actions we can all contribute to a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Over the past few weeks the officers and staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been working tirelessly to try and facilitate peaceful protest and appropriately deal with those intent on violence, while at the same time, ensuring that everyone going about their normal business making Christmas preparations can do so safely.
In addition we have also had to contend with the series of threats and attacks on our elected representatives, which I absolutely and utterly condemn. The Police Service will continue to work closely with each of these members of our community to advise and support them.
I am appalled and condemn the attacks which have injured police officers and in particular, the disgraceful attempted murder of my colleague in East Belfast, when a petrol bomb was thrown into her police car.
Our officers and staff, like everyone else, have preparations to make in the run up to Christmas and unfortunately these recent events have meant longer hours for many, and family events being missed.
Despite all these challenges, we have the responsibility to continue providing the normal 24/7 policing service. Our 'Season's Greetings' operation is ongoing across Northern Ireland and all sorts of advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming the victim of crime this Christmas is available on our website www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safetywww.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safety
All of these recent events come at a cost. Not just personal and financial for policing, but the economic cost to those businesses who were counting on a much needed Christmas boost. I have been listening to media reports about reductions in footfall in our towns and cities, accommodation cancellations and all this has the potential to have a much longer economic impact way beyond the current protests.
I appeal to everyone involved, or thinking of becoming involved in these protests to be responsible and to think about the longer term impact of their actions.
I welcome the joint statement of the First and deputy First Ministers and ask those within our Assembly and communities, who have influence, to give responsible leadership.
I ask young people who may see this as a chance to become involved in disorder to think carefully. Your actions can have a life long impact on your ability to go onto further education, seek employment or to travel. If you become involved there is a very good chance that you will be caught and dealt with appropriately.
This is not a situation of our making, but I want to reassure you that your Police Service will do everything it can in the days ahead to ensure that, in so far as possible, everyone can go about their business in safety and with minimum disruption.
Despite everything, Belfast and Northern Ireland is still a relatively safe place and by everyone taking sensible precautions, respecting the law and taking responsibility for their own actions we can all contribute to a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Appealing for calm in the festive season
I had the privilege of attending a lunch this afternoon at the Titanic Signature Building in Belfast, hosted by the Ireland Fund in honour of US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton.
It is perhaps timely if not a little ironic, in a week that has seen further public disorder and protests on our streets, that Secretary of State Clinton was here to reaffirm the US administration's commitment to peace in Northern Ireland and also to acknowledge how much progress has been made.
This is a time when we would anticipate that Belfast and other cities and towns should be buzzing with pre Christmas shopping. Traders have had a tough year and many rely on this time of the year to survive. I know that issues such as flags and emblems are contentious and sensitive but with this high profile international visit underway I'm also conscious of how Northern Ireland is being perceived internationally and by the traders who have travelled specifically to Northern Ireland to take part in the City's Christmas Market.
The last thing any of us needs right now is images of thugs throwing barriers and missiles at police in protective public order equipment, and premises and homes of democratically elected representatives being attacked. Those who undertake such violence only serve to put jobs on the line, divert reduced finances away from other, more important issues and divert police resources from working in the very heart of communities to tackle serious harm and keep people safe.
We acknowledge the right of those to undertake peaceful protests and where it is lawful we will uphold this right. But with this right comes an equal responsibility regarding the safety consequences of such protests at a time when cities and towns are at their busiest. I appeal for those with influence in the community to help bring to an end to the protests and disorder.
We are committed to playing our part in a safe festive season. Where there are protests or disorder, we will seek to minimise the impact to the wider community to ensure that everyone, in so far as possible, is allowed to go about their normal business with minimum disruption.
It is perhaps timely if not a little ironic, in a week that has seen further public disorder and protests on our streets, that Secretary of State Clinton was here to reaffirm the US administration's commitment to peace in Northern Ireland and also to acknowledge how much progress has been made.
This is a time when we would anticipate that Belfast and other cities and towns should be buzzing with pre Christmas shopping. Traders have had a tough year and many rely on this time of the year to survive. I know that issues such as flags and emblems are contentious and sensitive but with this high profile international visit underway I'm also conscious of how Northern Ireland is being perceived internationally and by the traders who have travelled specifically to Northern Ireland to take part in the City's Christmas Market.
The last thing any of us needs right now is images of thugs throwing barriers and missiles at police in protective public order equipment, and premises and homes of democratically elected representatives being attacked. Those who undertake such violence only serve to put jobs on the line, divert reduced finances away from other, more important issues and divert police resources from working in the very heart of communities to tackle serious harm and keep people safe.
We acknowledge the right of those to undertake peaceful protests and where it is lawful we will uphold this right. But with this right comes an equal responsibility regarding the safety consequences of such protests at a time when cities and towns are at their busiest. I appeal for those with influence in the community to help bring to an end to the protests and disorder.
We are committed to playing our part in a safe festive season. Where there are protests or disorder, we will seek to minimise the impact to the wider community to ensure that everyone, in so far as possible, is allowed to go about their normal business with minimum disruption.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Planning for the Northern Ireland Community Safety College
I spent the first part of yesterday morning in Cookstown, opening the Curriculum Conference for the Northern Ireland Community Safety College at Desertcreat.
Progress towards the delivery of our new College is gaining some serious momentum and we hope to conclude the procurement process early next year, with the award of the construction contract.
I also had the opportunity last week to go to the Police training College at Garnerville in East Belfast, to meet with the people who have been given the task of developing and delivering the various strands of the new College. Individuals from the three services working side by side.
Yesterday's conference was about discussing the important issues of how changing learning styles will impact how we train going forward, how training can meet future societal expectations and how we can deliver realistic and effective public safety training.
Our partners in the College, the Fire and Rescue Service and Prison Service, were also present and key to the new curriculum will be how we train together - which we are planning will be the rule rather than the exception.
We have also been engaging locally, on a regular basis, to keep the people of Cookstown, and in particular those who live in close proximity to the site, fully advised of progress.
I am really looking forward to watching how the delivery of our new College develops over the next few months. This is probably one of the most exciting developments in policing here for some time.
If you are interested in finding out more about the College, you can visit the website at http://www.desertcreatcollege.org/
Friday, 16 November 2012
Working Together to Tackle Hate Crime
This week the Hindu Community locally and globally celebrated Diwali, or the Festival of Lights as it is also known. As part of this festival, small clay lamps are lit which symbolise the triumph of good over evil.
There has been a small Hindu community in Northern Ireland for some years, the actual number would be around 1,000 members, making this the third largest minority ethnic population. The wider Indian community have been present in Northern Ireland from around the 1920's with members mostly working in the food industry and as GP's, doctors and consultants.
Sadly members of minority ethnic groups do not always feel welcome in Northern Ireland and this week our Policing with the Community Branch have been hosting a Hate and Signal Crime workshop in Belfast. This event marks the introduction of a new role within Neighbourhood Policing Teams - Hate and Signal Crime Officers (HSCOs) will be taking over an enhanced monitoring and review role from the previous Hate Incident and Minority Liaison Officers.
The role of the HSCOs is to improve the quality of service we give to victims of hate crime and to increase community confidence in the Police Service to encourage more victims of Hate Crime to come forward and report these crimes. We welcome the input, involvement and support of our key partners at the event: Victim Support, Chinese Welfare Association, Polish Association, Rainbow Project and Disability Action.
Working together we can address underreporting, improve and achieve best evidence in our investigations and raise our clearance rates. We are also seeking, in partnership with our criminal justice partners, to obtain the evidence which will permit the courts to increase sentencing for offences that are aggravated by hostility based on the victims' actual or presumed religion, race, sexual orientation or disability.
The community have a wider responsibility to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for perpetrators of hate crime and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, race or religion, feels welcome and safe in the community where they live, work or socialise. I would encourage anyone who can assist us in preventing or detecting hate crime to proactively support us. Hate crime is not acceptable under any circumstances, and by working together we can ensure this message is understood by everyone.
There has been a small Hindu community in Northern Ireland for some years, the actual number would be around 1,000 members, making this the third largest minority ethnic population. The wider Indian community have been present in Northern Ireland from around the 1920's with members mostly working in the food industry and as GP's, doctors and consultants.
Sadly members of minority ethnic groups do not always feel welcome in Northern Ireland and this week our Policing with the Community Branch have been hosting a Hate and Signal Crime workshop in Belfast. This event marks the introduction of a new role within Neighbourhood Policing Teams - Hate and Signal Crime Officers (HSCOs) will be taking over an enhanced monitoring and review role from the previous Hate Incident and Minority Liaison Officers.
The role of the HSCOs is to improve the quality of service we give to victims of hate crime and to increase community confidence in the Police Service to encourage more victims of Hate Crime to come forward and report these crimes. We welcome the input, involvement and support of our key partners at the event: Victim Support, Chinese Welfare Association, Polish Association, Rainbow Project and Disability Action.
Working together we can address underreporting, improve and achieve best evidence in our investigations and raise our clearance rates. We are also seeking, in partnership with our criminal justice partners, to obtain the evidence which will permit the courts to increase sentencing for offences that are aggravated by hostility based on the victims' actual or presumed religion, race, sexual orientation or disability.
The community have a wider responsibility to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for perpetrators of hate crime and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, race or religion, feels welcome and safe in the community where they live, work or socialise. I would encourage anyone who can assist us in preventing or detecting hate crime to proactively support us. Hate crime is not acceptable under any circumstances, and by working together we can ensure this message is understood by everyone.
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