One of the benefits of being the Deputy Chief Constable is that no day is ever really the same, and Saturday was certainly no exception.
I had been invited in the morning to attend Croke Park in Dublin to address the Gaelic Athletic Association, National Officer Development Day. At the outset I took the opportunity to pay tribute to my colleague from An Garda Síochána, Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who had been so brutally murdered just a few hours earlier. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our colleagues at this very difficult time. The relationship between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána is probably like no other, between two police services and we are doing everything possible to support the investigation to bring his murderers to justice.
This is the second time I have spoken at Croke Park in the past few months and the symbolism of a senior Police Service of Northern Ireland officer addressing a gathering at this historically symbolic venue is not lost on me. I had been asked to speak about the PSNI change process and I spoke frankly about our experiences 'warts and all'.
As I returned from Dublin, I visited the Silver Room for 'D' District (Antrim, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey) located in Lisburn Station and met with the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine and a number of the officers and staff on duty. I received a briefing on the minor disorder of the previous night in Newtownabbey.
I then visited a local sporting venue where the Services Netball Team were playing the Greater Manchester police. I wanted to speak with our colleagues from Greater Manchester to thank them for coming over despite the very negative publicity Northern Ireland has been receiving nationally and internationally. They all agreed that despite some reservations about travelling over that they were very glad they came and were overwhelmed by the warmth of the local welcome.
I finished my day by calling in on a Multi Cultural event in Dunmurry being run in partnership by Dunmurry Community Association, Greater Dunmurry Positive Relations Partnership and the local Presbyterian Church at Glebe Road. In some way this event was quite refreshing, given recent events - a gathering of people from a number of ethnic and faith backgrounds, local and some not so, meeting together despite their differences to have an afternoon of fun, food and music. I also had the opportunity to try my hand at the 'Chenda' drums, a traditional Indian musical instrument. Two of these drums had been presented to the Indian Malayali Association earlier in the afternoon and I was delighted that the Police Service of Northern Ireland had been able to help purchase these from a Diversity in Action Award bursary received by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Whilst it is somewhat frustrating to be back at my desk again this morning and spending time, yet again, talking to senior colleagues about flag protests, the events of the weekend at least give me a sense of hope that community policing is progressing and that officers are out there doing their very best to deliver personal, professional and protective policing in extremely difficult circumstances.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Monday, 21 January 2013
Getting ready to welcome World Police and Fire Games
Despite all of our current challenges, the momentum is really building for this year’s World Police and Fire Games in August, now less than 200 days away.
This promises to be the biggest and most exciting sporting event which Northern Ireland will ever experience. We are expecting around 10,000 competitors, accompanied by 15,000 family and friends, taking part in 57 sporting events across 42 venues. I want for a moment to speak to my international followers, some of whom may be having second thoughts as a result of watching some of the media pictures of the recent protests and disorder associated with the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall.
Already we have 1,859 competitors registered, many of whom are team captains, and when you take into account their team colleagues this would bring the numbers up to about 3,500. Over £2m has been generated already with hotel bookings, over 6,400 volunteers have enlisted to help and we are currently going through a selection and training process to ensure that they can support us in making this the very best and friendliest games ever.
I want to reassure you that the majority of recent protests have been entirely peaceful and any disorder has been isolated to a number of very small areas, mainly in one particular area of East Belfast. The vast majority of areas across Northern Ireland have been totally unaffected. In fact you could be in Belfast City Centre and be totally oblivious that there had been any trouble at all. There has also been some disruption to traffic but this has been largely dealt with by the Police.
Last week, we hosted a visit of World Police and Fire Games competitors from Canada, USA, Spain, Germany and England and when I met with them, each of the visitors said that they had been overwhelmed by the warm welcome they have received. Several said specifically they had such an amazing time visiting some our tourist attractions that they plan to bring their families with them in August. Our visitors saw first hand everything that Northern Ireland has to offer and all of them said that they would absolutely be coming to Belfast in August, with many planning to stay longer to experience everything that Ireland, both North and South, has to offer. You can see a short video of some of their comments at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA4xJZyF6Tc
To keep up to date with all the very latest developments I would encourage you to visit the website at www.2013wpfg.com or follow WPFG on Facebook or twitter - at www.facebook.com/2013wpfg and www.twitter.com/2013wpfg
Northern Ireland is a very safe place. In fact, overall crime levels are at their lowest level for many years and the Police Service will always put public safety first. We have worked and will continue to work closely with local communities to minimise any disorder and disruption, and to ensure appropriate resources are in place to keep people safe. Over the weekend I am pleased to say that those few protests which did take place were peaceful.
Our aim is to deliver the friendliest Games ever and we remain very confident that we will do so. We look forward to August so that we can welcome thousands of visitors from across the world so they can experience the kind of warm welcome that Northern Ireland is famous for.
This promises to be the biggest and most exciting sporting event which Northern Ireland will ever experience. We are expecting around 10,000 competitors, accompanied by 15,000 family and friends, taking part in 57 sporting events across 42 venues. I want for a moment to speak to my international followers, some of whom may be having second thoughts as a result of watching some of the media pictures of the recent protests and disorder associated with the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall.
Already we have 1,859 competitors registered, many of whom are team captains, and when you take into account their team colleagues this would bring the numbers up to about 3,500. Over £2m has been generated already with hotel bookings, over 6,400 volunteers have enlisted to help and we are currently going through a selection and training process to ensure that they can support us in making this the very best and friendliest games ever.
I want to reassure you that the majority of recent protests have been entirely peaceful and any disorder has been isolated to a number of very small areas, mainly in one particular area of East Belfast. The vast majority of areas across Northern Ireland have been totally unaffected. In fact you could be in Belfast City Centre and be totally oblivious that there had been any trouble at all. There has also been some disruption to traffic but this has been largely dealt with by the Police.
Last week, we hosted a visit of World Police and Fire Games competitors from Canada, USA, Spain, Germany and England and when I met with them, each of the visitors said that they had been overwhelmed by the warm welcome they have received. Several said specifically they had such an amazing time visiting some our tourist attractions that they plan to bring their families with them in August. Our visitors saw first hand everything that Northern Ireland has to offer and all of them said that they would absolutely be coming to Belfast in August, with many planning to stay longer to experience everything that Ireland, both North and South, has to offer. You can see a short video of some of their comments at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA4xJZyF6Tc
To keep up to date with all the very latest developments I would encourage you to visit the website at www.2013wpfg.com or follow WPFG on Facebook or twitter - at www.facebook.com/2013wpfg and www.twitter.com/2013wpfg
Northern Ireland is a very safe place. In fact, overall crime levels are at their lowest level for many years and the Police Service will always put public safety first. We have worked and will continue to work closely with local communities to minimise any disorder and disruption, and to ensure appropriate resources are in place to keep people safe. Over the weekend I am pleased to say that those few protests which did take place were peaceful.
Our aim is to deliver the friendliest Games ever and we remain very confident that we will do so. We look forward to August so that we can welcome thousands of visitors from across the world so they can experience the kind of warm welcome that Northern Ireland is famous for.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Violence is not and will not be the answer
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.
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.
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.
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