Community policing the way forward - Ford

1.50.00pm GMT Fri 9th Oct 2009

We are keen to encourage Chief Constable Matt Baggott to develop a community approach to policing throughout Northern Ireland

Alliance Party Leader David Ford met with the PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie at Police Headquarters on Wednesday. Speaking after the meeting, the local MLA said: "It is clear from speaking with Matt Baggott that, despite his short time here in Northern Ireland, the new Chief Constable is fully aware of the threat to his officers and the wider community from the activity of dissident republicans.

"Obviously the prospects for the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly will take up a significant part of his time in the coming months. Both he and I are waiting to see the outcome of the discussion that ministers are having with the Prime Minister and the Treasury about the finance arrangements for any new Department of Justice as well as dealing with past issues such as the cost of hearing-loss claims . There are many challenges facing policing, including the needs of police regarding resourcing and equipment.

"He has extensive background experience in community policing, both in Leicestershire and in London, we are keen to encourage him to develop a similar community approach to policing throughout our community in Northern Ireland. We were very pleased at the commitment to this that he expressed.

"The magnitude of the challenges that face policing underlines the need for a strong and coherent policy programme to be agreed ahead of the devolution of policing and justice. No matter from which party the Minister comes, we need to know that there will be a programme of work which will not be hindered or vetoed by any party.

"It was a great pleasure to meet the new Chief Constable who is a very impressive figure and I know that he will make a significant contribution to the future of policing in Northern Ireland."