As I pen this blog it is only 278 days 9 hours and 45 minutes to the start of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2013 in Belfast.
This is a mammoth task and I have the privilege, as Chair of the WPFG Board, to see first hand just how much progress has been made in ensuring that we deliver the best and friendliest games ever.
I want to pay tribute to all my colleagues in the WPFG Company and of course the WPFG Board members representing other agencies for the fantastic work and achievements to date. We have heard so much recently about the value placed on the volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
Our games will present a similar opportunity to volunteer and experience what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be a part of such a fantastic event. Volunteer registration has been open for a number of weeks but will close at the end of this month on 31st October.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved. Team 2013 will be made up of over 3,500 individuals. By applying to volunteer, you could meet some of the thousands of international competitors, visitors, spectators, media and VIPs at the Games. You will help make it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved, so this is your chance to welcome the world, represent your community and have fun! You will also receive really useful training which could lead to other opportunities in the future.
Up until the closing date, the WPFG staff team will be delivering the "VolunTour" - series of roadshow information points which will travel across Northern Ireland, engaging with the community to highlight the many opportunities available at the Games.
Already they have visited shopping centres, libraries, college fresher fairs, a range of high profile public events, business and sporting conferences. If you're aged 16 or over, interested in and enthusiastic about helping us deliver the friendliest games ever, and can spare three days of your time between 1-10 August 2013, then look for further information on where you can meet up with the team members at http://www.2013wpfg.com/volunteers.aspx
You can also find out how more about WPFG and how to volunteer on the website, www.2013wpfg.com, by emailing 2103wpfg@volunteernow.co.uk or by telephoning 028 9023 2020.
Don't miss out of this fantastic opportunity - register now and get involved.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Today (18 October) is Anti Slavery Day
Anti-Slavery Day was created by Act of Parliament in 2010, with the intention of raising awareness of modern slavery and to inspire people to eliminate it.
Today provides an opportunity to draw attention to the subject and remind government, local authorities, public institutions, private and public companies and individuals of the need to address the scale and scope of human trafficking.
It is widely acknowledged that somewhere between two and four million people are trafficked across international borders or within their own countries on an annual basis.
It is shocking to think that in 2012, there are more people across the world being held in slavery and servitude, than there were at the time of the abolition of slavery over 200 years ago.
This type of crime is a major source of funding for organised criminals, and terrorism, within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and internationally.
In recent years your Police Service has recognised the growing issue of human trafficking in Northern Ireland. We have dedicated resources from within Crime Operations Department to proactively identify and target the individuals and organised crime gangs involved and raise awareness in the community of the issue. We have also worked with partner agencies to ensure appropriate support mechanisms are in place to help those victims, men, women and children, when rescued.
In the past few years over 80 potential victims of human trafficking have been rescued and provided with support in Northern Ireland. The most prevalent form of exploitation encountered was for sexual purposes, predominately in off-street prostitution - something which has been described as "rape for profit".
Other forms of exploitation encountered include labour exploitation in various industries and indeed domestic servitude. Individuals have also been subjected to exploitation within criminal enterprises, for example cannabis cultivation, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between those engaged willingly in criminal offending and those who are the subject of exploitation.
The trafficking of people is a gross violation of a human rights and should not be tolerated within any society, far less within 21st Century Northern Ireland. The reality is that it could be happening in your local area, in your city, town or village or even right next door to where you live.
We will continue to do everything within our powers to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for Human Traffickers, but we need your help.
If you see anything suspicious; people regularly coming and going from premises with no apparent legitimate reason, then please tell us. Speak to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, call us at the PSNI Organised Crime Branch on 0845 600 8000 or tell us anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 11.
Find out more about this issue at www.blueblindfold.co.uk or www.ukhtc.org - your help could rescue a vulnerable victim from the horror of modern day slavery.
Today provides an opportunity to draw attention to the subject and remind government, local authorities, public institutions, private and public companies and individuals of the need to address the scale and scope of human trafficking.
It is widely acknowledged that somewhere between two and four million people are trafficked across international borders or within their own countries on an annual basis.
It is shocking to think that in 2012, there are more people across the world being held in slavery and servitude, than there were at the time of the abolition of slavery over 200 years ago.
This type of crime is a major source of funding for organised criminals, and terrorism, within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and internationally.
In recent years your Police Service has recognised the growing issue of human trafficking in Northern Ireland. We have dedicated resources from within Crime Operations Department to proactively identify and target the individuals and organised crime gangs involved and raise awareness in the community of the issue. We have also worked with partner agencies to ensure appropriate support mechanisms are in place to help those victims, men, women and children, when rescued.
In the past few years over 80 potential victims of human trafficking have been rescued and provided with support in Northern Ireland. The most prevalent form of exploitation encountered was for sexual purposes, predominately in off-street prostitution - something which has been described as "rape for profit".
Other forms of exploitation encountered include labour exploitation in various industries and indeed domestic servitude. Individuals have also been subjected to exploitation within criminal enterprises, for example cannabis cultivation, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between those engaged willingly in criminal offending and those who are the subject of exploitation.
The trafficking of people is a gross violation of a human rights and should not be tolerated within any society, far less within 21st Century Northern Ireland. The reality is that it could be happening in your local area, in your city, town or village or even right next door to where you live.
We will continue to do everything within our powers to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for Human Traffickers, but we need your help.
If you see anything suspicious; people regularly coming and going from premises with no apparent legitimate reason, then please tell us. Speak to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, call us at the PSNI Organised Crime Branch on 0845 600 8000 or tell us anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 11.
Find out more about this issue at www.blueblindfold.co.uk or www.ukhtc.org - your help could rescue a vulnerable victim from the horror of modern day slavery.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Attendance at Public Accounts Committee
This afternoon the Chief Constable and I are attending the Public Accounts Committee along with representatives from the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
The purpose of our appearance is to answer questions in relation to the recently published Northern Ireland Audit Office report 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland: Use of Agency Staff'.
At the outset of my blog it is critical that I acknowledge the importance of this report and indicate that the PSNI has accepted all the recommendations many of which reflect our current practices. We welcome such independent scrutiny and there are lessons to be learnt from the report and its findings. Over the past 10 years the PSNI has faced unprecedented change, 5,453 police officers and 2,323 police staff left the organisation. No other police service in the United Kingdom, and possibly in the world, has ever experienced anything quite like this.
Against the background of such significant change, there are areas where with the benefit of hindsight we could have applied more scrutiny and grip. The Chief Constable has accepted how some may see the recruitment of agency staff as contrary to the spirit of Patten. Of course Patten did not envisage a 'new beginning to policing' in the face of such a protracted and severe terrorist threat, and without the use of some agency staff police officers who are critical to preventing serious harm and terrorism would be confined to non operational roles. The Northern Ireland Audit Office Report accepts the business need for the use of temporary staff, some of whom by necessity would be ex-police officers.
The ultimate prize of change has been the increase in community confidence helped by the achievement of 30% Catholic police representation, and the devolvement of Policing and Justice powers - the very reason why locally elected representatives can sit today and question us on these matters. That confidence is delicate, and needs to be treated with respect in everything that we do.
Going forward, we will work on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report's recommendations and we will continue to build on the governance surrounding the appointment of temporary workers so that the community confidence the PSNI has worked so hard to achieve is maintained and enhanced.
The purpose of our appearance is to answer questions in relation to the recently published Northern Ireland Audit Office report 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland: Use of Agency Staff'.
At the outset of my blog it is critical that I acknowledge the importance of this report and indicate that the PSNI has accepted all the recommendations many of which reflect our current practices. We welcome such independent scrutiny and there are lessons to be learnt from the report and its findings. Over the past 10 years the PSNI has faced unprecedented change, 5,453 police officers and 2,323 police staff left the organisation. No other police service in the United Kingdom, and possibly in the world, has ever experienced anything quite like this.
Against the background of such significant change, there are areas where with the benefit of hindsight we could have applied more scrutiny and grip. The Chief Constable has accepted how some may see the recruitment of agency staff as contrary to the spirit of Patten. Of course Patten did not envisage a 'new beginning to policing' in the face of such a protracted and severe terrorist threat, and without the use of some agency staff police officers who are critical to preventing serious harm and terrorism would be confined to non operational roles. The Northern Ireland Audit Office Report accepts the business need for the use of temporary staff, some of whom by necessity would be ex-police officers.
The ultimate prize of change has been the increase in community confidence helped by the achievement of 30% Catholic police representation, and the devolvement of Policing and Justice powers - the very reason why locally elected representatives can sit today and question us on these matters. That confidence is delicate, and needs to be treated with respect in everything that we do.
Going forward, we will work on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report's recommendations and we will continue to build on the governance surrounding the appointment of temporary workers so that the community confidence the PSNI has worked so hard to achieve is maintained and enhanced.
Monday, 1 October 2012
Staying safe at College or University
Most students will, by now, be well settled into the new term at their college or university.
As well as focusing on your studies it is important that you think about how you can keep yourself safe and protect your personal property. There are lots of very simple steps which you can take to make sure that you do not become the victim of crime or come under the attention of the police.
When out and about, know how you are getting there and home, if going out, particularly during the hours of darkness don't go out alone or at least tell someone where you are going and when you might be back. Keep your bag and other items of value close to you and if possible out of sight and don't carry around large amounts of cash. If you are out socialising stay together, do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol and do not leave drinks sitting about unattended.
If you are staying away from home in rented or student accommodation make sure that you lock your house or room. If you are on the ground floor don't leave items of value, such as cash, laptops, phones or tablets, within sight of windows. Thieves will target student accommodation for small items which are easy to conceal, particularly at those times when they know they are likely to be away, for example, weekends. If you can take out property insurance and if you are concerned about the physical security of your property or room talk to your landlord or warden.
It is also important to think about the consequences of inappropriate, illegal or anti social behaviour. Thankfully the number of students who come to the notice of police in these circumstances every year is small, but the consequences for these few can be very significant. There is the potential for a criminal record, expulsion from college or university and long term impact on future employment and travel.
The Police Service do not want you to become the victim of crime or to come under police attention and we will be working with your university and college to do everything possible to prevent this.
Advice is available from the police directly or through your college and you can also find out more by visiting the Student Advice section of our website at www.psni.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm
As well as focusing on your studies it is important that you think about how you can keep yourself safe and protect your personal property. There are lots of very simple steps which you can take to make sure that you do not become the victim of crime or come under the attention of the police.
When out and about, know how you are getting there and home, if going out, particularly during the hours of darkness don't go out alone or at least tell someone where you are going and when you might be back. Keep your bag and other items of value close to you and if possible out of sight and don't carry around large amounts of cash. If you are out socialising stay together, do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol and do not leave drinks sitting about unattended.
If you are staying away from home in rented or student accommodation make sure that you lock your house or room. If you are on the ground floor don't leave items of value, such as cash, laptops, phones or tablets, within sight of windows. Thieves will target student accommodation for small items which are easy to conceal, particularly at those times when they know they are likely to be away, for example, weekends. If you can take out property insurance and if you are concerned about the physical security of your property or room talk to your landlord or warden.
It is also important to think about the consequences of inappropriate, illegal or anti social behaviour. Thankfully the number of students who come to the notice of police in these circumstances every year is small, but the consequences for these few can be very significant. There is the potential for a criminal record, expulsion from college or university and long term impact on future employment and travel.
The Police Service do not want you to become the victim of crime or to come under police attention and we will be working with your university and college to do everything possible to prevent this.
Advice is available from the police directly or through your college and you can also find out more by visiting the Student Advice section of our website at www.psni.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 31 August 2012
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.
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.
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