Local policing plans launched

District Command Units for 29 areas in the province were unveiled

Plans aimed at addressing specific policing needs at a local level rather than an overall Northern Ireland basis are being launched.

The 29 District Command Units were unveiled by Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner in Larne, County Antrim, on Monday.

The units are to work alongside District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) to tackle local policing needs.

Made up jointly of councillors and independent members, DPPs were established under the programme of change to policing in Northern Ireland recommended by Chris Patten.

The programme saw the changeover from the predominantly Protestant Royal Ulster Constabulary to the Police Service of Northern Ireland in November 2001.

ACC Toner said the District Command Units would focus on "local policing for local people".

He said district commanders had worked alongside DPPs on plans which focused on local needs, some of which may not reflect the Policing Board's own annual plan.

Local policing for local people

Roy Toner
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable

ACC Toner admitted that the 50-50 rule governing police recruitment was less than perfect, but "we have to accept that".

"On the upside, high calibre recruits are joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland from all sections of the community," he said.

More than 200 people were appointed to District Policing Partnerships in March this year, following an extensive public recruitment campaign.

The partnerships aim to give the community a say in policing in the province.