More officers on the streets
The Policing Board has released a three year policing plan that will mean more officers on the streets across Northern Ireland.
Police officers will spend an extra half hour of each shift on the beat under new targets to make the PSNI more visible on the streets.
Policemen and women will also be given more discretion to resolve low level incidents on the spot rather than resort to the courts.
The independent oversight body’s Policing Plan 2011-2014 has been agreed in conjunction with Chief Constable Matt Baggott and justice minister David Ford.
Acting board chair Brian Rea said the plan fell under three key policing objectives: personal policing – dealing with local concerns; professional policing – delivering an excellent service; and protective policing – tackling serious harm.
“The year ahead will also bring significant challenges for policing in Northern Ireland and the current economic situation undoubtedly will impact on all public services and resource priorities. We also continue to be mindful of the environment in which the Police Service operates and the threat that exists.
Mr Ford said: “Policing is delivered best when it is delivered locally, in partnership with, and supported by, the local community.
Last month the Treasury agreed to provide the PSNI with an extra £200 million, on top of an additional £45 million from the Stormont executive, to help tackle the dissident threat.
Mr Baggott said the plan was vitally important.
“It captures the ambitions agreed by both us and the Policing Board,” he said.
The Chief Constable added: “In the coming weeks, we will also launch a set of commitments that will underpin our delivery of personal policing. They outline what you can expect from us when you ask us for help, and will enable us to be held to account for the delivery of personal policing across all communities”.
“Policing here is delivering positive results, and is essential to future investment, the well-being of young people and to creating a more confident Northern Ireland.”
