Minister of Justice has first meeting with Chief Constable

5.08.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Apr 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

David Ford has today met with Chief Constable, Matt Baggott for the first time as Minister for Justice.

The meeting at Parliament Buildings provided the Minister and the Chief Constable with an early opportunity to discuss a number of policing issues.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "I was very keen to hear from the Chief Constable about the challenges that the PSNI faces, and the key issues around policing. It is important that I listen to the experience of the police, and hear the Chief Constable's views on a range of policing issues."

The Minister will also be meeting with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Policing Board this week.

The Minister continued: "Policing is critical to the safety of the community, and I want to be familiar with the issues that are facing the Police Service. The Policing Board plays a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of the PSNI. I want to ensure that all the players - Board, PSNI, Assembly and Department - work together to ensure that Northern Ireland has the policing it requires.

"The Chief Constable gave me an extensive briefing on a range of issues. I look forward to working with him and the Policing Board as we build a safer community for all."