It's important for me to take time to visit police officers and staff based in stations and departments across the Service, to have the opportunity to speak with and perhaps more importantly, listen to them personally.
Yesterday, I had the chance to visit our Occupational Heath and Well-being department, which is responsible for the delivery of health protection, promotion and monitoring. The department also provides psychological well-being, musculoskeletal, medical and nursing and physical and health education services.
The department's main aim is to improve the health and well-being of police officers and police staff by delivering a range of proactive and responsive services. The unit began delivering occupational health services in the early 1980's with just a few members and was sadly in response to the very difficult policing environment being faced by the Royal Ulster Constabulary at that time.
Today a fantastic range of services is provided by a team of around 40 healthcare professionals and support staff. The unit is very much seen as a model of good practice nationally and internationally and I was absolutely delighted to see them recently receive first place in the Health and Wellbeing category of the CIPD People Management Awards 2011.
Policing by its very nature is a physically and mentally challenging occupation. Whilst we have some very experienced and resilient people, the officers and staff of your police service see and do things that most other people will never ever have to encounter or experience.
Some of the incidents members of the Police Service deal with or attend can have very significant and long term consequences for them personally. It is therefore absolutely critical that we have the right people with the right skills in place to identify health concerns at the earliest opportunity, to provide support and assistance to our people when they need it most.
More often than not these people are in the background and less visible to the public than many parts of this organisation. But that does not mean they are any less important.
Not only is it important that we look after our people when they need assistance, but it is equally important to ensure that, as a public service, we do everything possible to ensure that our people are fit, healthy and happy at work in order to better deliver that personal, professional and protective policing service that the public expects.
Our officers and staff deserve the very best support we can provide and I know that the Occupational Heath and Well-being department are a critical and essential part of your police service.
For an organisation in a uniquely challenging environment, they provide a world class service of which we are all very proud.
Friday, 21 October 2011
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Planning for the World Police and Fire games
I was delighted to attend my first meeting as Chair of the World Police and Fire Games Board this afternoon.
I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland who until recently chaired the Board, for his immense contribution to the planning for this major event in our history.
Although the games do not come to Northern Ireland until summer 2013, significant planning and preparation has already been undertaken. The Games will undoubtedly be the biggest sporting event we have ever seen.
The events of Wednesday night again demonstrated the narrow view of a small number of individuals who for whatever reason seem intent on driving away the benefits and investment of events like the MTV Awards, Titanic Celebrations, City of Culture and the World Police and Fire Games.
I echo the words of Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, the local District Commander in Derry, who described those who carried out the attack on the City of Culture Offices in Derry as: "not an attack on police but an attack on the people of the City by the people of the City."
I encourage you to embrace the opportunities to promote everything that is good about Northern Ireland over the next few months and years.
Your Police Service will be doing everything it possibly can to make sure that people feel as welcome and safe as possible and have a memorable visit for all the right reasons to this beautiful part of the world.
I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland who until recently chaired the Board, for his immense contribution to the planning for this major event in our history.
Although the games do not come to Northern Ireland until summer 2013, significant planning and preparation has already been undertaken. The Games will undoubtedly be the biggest sporting event we have ever seen.
The events of Wednesday night again demonstrated the narrow view of a small number of individuals who for whatever reason seem intent on driving away the benefits and investment of events like the MTV Awards, Titanic Celebrations, City of Culture and the World Police and Fire Games.
I echo the words of Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, the local District Commander in Derry, who described those who carried out the attack on the City of Culture Offices in Derry as: "not an attack on police but an attack on the people of the City by the people of the City."
I encourage you to embrace the opportunities to promote everything that is good about Northern Ireland over the next few months and years.
Your Police Service will be doing everything it possibly can to make sure that people feel as welcome and safe as possible and have a memorable visit for all the right reasons to this beautiful part of the world.
Friday, 7 October 2011
New Public Services Training College - a reality
I was delighted to attend Cookstown Council Office on Wednesday night to formally acknowledge the business case approval of the new Joint Public Services Training College.
It has been a long journey since the provision of a purpose built training college was first suggested in recommendation 131 of the Patten Report in 1999. Since then the scope has been widened to include a multi agency training facility with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Prison Service. All of the services welcome this development and the provision of world class training facilities for your emergency and prison services now seem a reality.
The opportunities of the new facilities are endless, and whilst the capital is coming from Police, Fire and Rescue and Prisons, we have already received expressions of interest from other Northern Ireland Public Service providers and international colleagues to use the college. We also hope that there will be significant opportunities and benefits for the local community.
A lot of time and energy has already been invested to get the project to this stage and I would like to pay tribute to current and former colleagues, in all three services, who had the vision and determination to develop the concept of the provision of new training services.
This is a huge training investment and the £139m project will in the longer term save public money as we share facilities, replace outdated and dilapidated buildings, and reduce the duplication of overheads for all three services.
I very much look forward to the next stages which will include planning permission and tendering for the construction of the facility. It is hoped the first of our colleagues will be using the new college in the summer of 2015.
It has been a long journey since the provision of a purpose built training college was first suggested in recommendation 131 of the Patten Report in 1999. Since then the scope has been widened to include a multi agency training facility with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Prison Service. All of the services welcome this development and the provision of world class training facilities for your emergency and prison services now seem a reality.
The opportunities of the new facilities are endless, and whilst the capital is coming from Police, Fire and Rescue and Prisons, we have already received expressions of interest from other Northern Ireland Public Service providers and international colleagues to use the college. We also hope that there will be significant opportunities and benefits for the local community.
A lot of time and energy has already been invested to get the project to this stage and I would like to pay tribute to current and former colleagues, in all three services, who had the vision and determination to develop the concept of the provision of new training services.
This is a huge training investment and the £139m project will in the longer term save public money as we share facilities, replace outdated and dilapidated buildings, and reduce the duplication of overheads for all three services.
I very much look forward to the next stages which will include planning permission and tendering for the construction of the facility. It is hoped the first of our colleagues will be using the new college in the summer of 2015.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Working in Partnership to Keep Young Drivers Safe
I was delighted to have been asked to attend the launch of a Young Passengers and Drivers Awareness initiative (YPAD), yesterday afternoon in Banbridge.
This initiative was developed with a number of agencies and partners, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Over the next six months over 1,000 young people, in years 12 to 14, will attend a seminar aimed at keeping them safer on our roads, as either drivers or passengers.
The session includes a locally produced film developed specifically for this initiative. The film which features local young people and members of the various agencies and partners shows the consequences of being distracted by text messaging whilst driving. Many of those who took part in the film were present at its launch.
One of most striking examples used yesterday, was that research has shown that taking your eyes of the road to look at a text message whilst driving at 55mph, is the equivalent of travelling the length of a football pitch with your eyes closed. And there were a number of driving simulators at the launch to 'drive'this home to the young people.
It is of course not just young people that are distracted by mobile phones and other devices in cars - the dangers apply equally to us all.
Sadly far too many people die on our roads across Northern Ireland each year. The downward trend is welcome but on average, every single week a person dies on our roads and the consequences of this for families, friends and communities stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Many collisions could be avoided if people slowed down, did not drink and drive and concentrate on the road and not the other potential distractions around them. This morning yet another family is having to come to terms withthe loss of someone dear to them.
I appeal to everyone, whether a young person just starting out on their driving experience, or as someone who has been driving for many years, to think carefully about their personal responsibility to drive safely.
By working together we will continue to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.
This initiative was developed with a number of agencies and partners, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Over the next six months over 1,000 young people, in years 12 to 14, will attend a seminar aimed at keeping them safer on our roads, as either drivers or passengers.
The session includes a locally produced film developed specifically for this initiative. The film which features local young people and members of the various agencies and partners shows the consequences of being distracted by text messaging whilst driving. Many of those who took part in the film were present at its launch.
One of most striking examples used yesterday, was that research has shown that taking your eyes of the road to look at a text message whilst driving at 55mph, is the equivalent of travelling the length of a football pitch with your eyes closed. And there were a number of driving simulators at the launch to 'drive'this home to the young people.
It is of course not just young people that are distracted by mobile phones and other devices in cars - the dangers apply equally to us all.
Sadly far too many people die on our roads across Northern Ireland each year. The downward trend is welcome but on average, every single week a person dies on our roads and the consequences of this for families, friends and communities stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Many collisions could be avoided if people slowed down, did not drink and drive and concentrate on the road and not the other potential distractions around them. This morning yet another family is having to come to terms withthe loss of someone dear to them.
I appeal to everyone, whether a young person just starting out on their driving experience, or as someone who has been driving for many years, to think carefully about their personal responsibility to drive safely.
By working together we will continue to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Safety First for 'Fresh' Beginnings
It’s ‘Freshers’ week when students, old and new, head to our universities for the start of a new academic year.
For some this will be back to the familiar routine to which they are now well used, but for others it will be the start of something very new and with it the opportunities, challenges and perhaps for some new found freedom. The Police Service have been working closely with universities long before students have arrived. Our priority is to make sure that students are kept, and know how to keep safe and that they can integrate with the local community with the least disruption and inconvenience possible.
Sadly every year a small number of students become involved in criminality and anti social behaviour. The Police Service work closely with the universities and the local community to ensure that these individuals are identified and dealt with swiftly. What to some might seem a ‘moment of fun or madness’ can jeopardise a university place, result in disciplinary action by the university and/or a criminal record and ultimately could prevent future employment. By all means students should have fun and thoroughly enjoy their university experience but they should also act responsibly and think of others.
For those students going out and about at night, I ask you to think about where you are going, who you are going with, and to try when you are out and about to stay together. Tell someone when you are expected back and keep your mobile phone with you at all times, but keep it and any bags, purses or wallets concealed out of sight.
The influx of students to residential accommodation, on and off site, is also an opportunity for others. Criminals know that student accommodation will be filled with an array of televisions, laptops, ipods and other items which can be easily concealed and sold on. Accommodation is regularly unoccupied and therefore easily accessed. If you are concerned about the security of your property speak to your landlord about locks and alarms and make sure when you go out that you secure the property, look after your keys and don’t leave items of value in clear view of the street.
University is a fantastic opportunity and I encourage you to enjoy it. Please listen carefully to the experience of others and to the advice you are given. The last thing we want is for you to have to remember university for all the wrong reasons.
By working together and following some simple advice we can keep you safe.
Click here for Personal Safety advice:- http://www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safety.htm
It’s ‘Freshers’ week when students, old and new, head to our universities for the start of a new academic year.
For some this will be back to the familiar routine to which they are now well used, but for others it will be the start of something very new and with it the opportunities, challenges and perhaps for some new found freedom. The Police Service have been working closely with universities long before students have arrived. Our priority is to make sure that students are kept, and know how to keep safe and that they can integrate with the local community with the least disruption and inconvenience possible.
Sadly every year a small number of students become involved in criminality and anti social behaviour. The Police Service work closely with the universities and the local community to ensure that these individuals are identified and dealt with swiftly. What to some might seem a ‘moment of fun or madness’ can jeopardise a university place, result in disciplinary action by the university and/or a criminal record and ultimately could prevent future employment. By all means students should have fun and thoroughly enjoy their university experience but they should also act responsibly and think of others.
For those students going out and about at night, I ask you to think about where you are going, who you are going with, and to try when you are out and about to stay together. Tell someone when you are expected back and keep your mobile phone with you at all times, but keep it and any bags, purses or wallets concealed out of sight.
The influx of students to residential accommodation, on and off site, is also an opportunity for others. Criminals know that student accommodation will be filled with an array of televisions, laptops, ipods and other items which can be easily concealed and sold on. Accommodation is regularly unoccupied and therefore easily accessed. If you are concerned about the security of your property speak to your landlord about locks and alarms and make sure when you go out that you secure the property, look after your keys and don’t leave items of value in clear view of the street.
University is a fantastic opportunity and I encourage you to enjoy it. Please listen carefully to the experience of others and to the advice you are given. The last thing we want is for you to have to remember university for all the wrong reasons.
By working together and following some simple advice we can keep you safe.
Click here for Personal Safety advice:- http://www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/personal/personal-safety.htm
Friday, 9 September 2011
World Police and Fire Games success
As the World Police and Fire Games have just drawn to a close in New York, I am delighted to tell you that the Police Service of Northern Ireland have picked up five gold , seven silver and four bronze medals.
Colleagues in NI Fire and Rescue picked up three gold, two silver and one bronze, whilst the NI Prison Service return with one gold, four silvers and one bronze medal.
Last Sunday evening at the closing ceremony attended by the Chief Constable, the responsibility for the next games in 2013 was handed over to Northern Ireland.
This will be a fantastic opportunity and will bring approximately 10,000 law enforcement officers and fire fighters, from across the world, to Northern Ireland for the largest sporting event ever hosted here.
The tourism, economic and legacy opportunities that the Games will bring to Belfast specifically and to Northern Ireland in general are significant.
The organisers of the 2013 World Police and Fire Games have set themselves the goal of being the friendliest games. and knowing our Belfast people I am sure that the Games will live up to that ambition.
This is of course only one of a number of very significant events over the next few years. We have already commenced planning with our partner agencies for the City of Culture 2013 in Derry/Londonderry.
There are some really exciting events planned for the City of Culture year that will bring many thousands of visitors into the North West. I am also often reminded as I travel across the M3 bridge of the Titanic commemorations planned for April 2012 as I watch the development of the Titanic Quarter and the building of the iconic landmark centrepiece which will become the Visitors' Centre.
These are fantastic opportunities for us all to show thousands of international visitors everything that is good about Northern Ireland, to the point that they will want to tell others to come here and see what we have on offer - including the world famous warmth of welcome of the Northern Ireland people.
Colleagues in NI Fire and Rescue picked up three gold, two silver and one bronze, whilst the NI Prison Service return with one gold, four silvers and one bronze medal.
Last Sunday evening at the closing ceremony attended by the Chief Constable, the responsibility for the next games in 2013 was handed over to Northern Ireland.
This will be a fantastic opportunity and will bring approximately 10,000 law enforcement officers and fire fighters, from across the world, to Northern Ireland for the largest sporting event ever hosted here.
The tourism, economic and legacy opportunities that the Games will bring to Belfast specifically and to Northern Ireland in general are significant.
The organisers of the 2013 World Police and Fire Games have set themselves the goal of being the friendliest games. and knowing our Belfast people I am sure that the Games will live up to that ambition.
This is of course only one of a number of very significant events over the next few years. We have already commenced planning with our partner agencies for the City of Culture 2013 in Derry/Londonderry.
There are some really exciting events planned for the City of Culture year that will bring many thousands of visitors into the North West. I am also often reminded as I travel across the M3 bridge of the Titanic commemorations planned for April 2012 as I watch the development of the Titanic Quarter and the building of the iconic landmark centrepiece which will become the Visitors' Centre.
These are fantastic opportunities for us all to show thousands of international visitors everything that is good about Northern Ireland, to the point that they will want to tell others to come here and see what we have on offer - including the world famous warmth of welcome of the Northern Ireland people.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Belfast Mela 2011
I had the pleasure of attending the Belfast Mela 2011 last Sunday afternoon.
Over 18,000 people descended on Botanic Gardens to witness first hand the vibrant and colourful spectacle which has become a regular date in the Belfast calendar.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is delighted to support and be associated with the Mela and again officers were present, meeting with members of the public, providing advice and information.
The Mela, in its fifth year, has now become Northern Ireland's largest multi-cultural festival and I was delighted to see that it was again so well supported.
As I walked around visiting the various stalls and meeting people it was fantastic to see how multi-cultural Northern Ireland has become and all the opportunities that this presents.
Sadly not everyone sees a diverse Northern Ireland as an opportunity and the symptoms of this are present with almost daily reports of racist hate crimes and incidents. A minority of individuals choose to attack people or their property simply because they perceive them to be different.
The huge contribution that people from various cultures, countries and backgrounds provide is totally lost on this minority. Not only is it important that we attend events such as the Mela to engage with the public, but it’s also important that we show our support for minority and vulnerable communities and visibly reassure them that the Police Service is there for everyone no matter what their background is.
We are your Police Service and we will continue to do everything possible to protect those who are most vulnerable, regardless of background.
I look forward to Belfast Mela 2012 and sincerely congratulate everyone who made the day such a success.
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