The Policing Board, in partnership with Belfast PCSP held a public meeting (23 January) in Belfast City Hall focusing on anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Anti-social behaviour affects most communities and continues to be a priority for PCSPs. It is also clear that people believe it is a policing issue as 45% of calls to the PSNI relate to ASB.
Speaking at the meeting Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly said:
“Holding this public meeting in partnership with Belfast PCSP has been a great opportunity for the Board to show support to the PCSP on an issue that is prevalent not just in this city but right across Northern Ireland. While it may not be a criminal offence ASB can have a big impact within a community causing fear and unease, particularly for those who are most vulnerable such as older people living on their own.
As this is a recurring concern in many communities the Board requested that the Chief Constable focus on the identification of good practice in addressing incidents and to apply the lessons learned across Northern Ireland. It is also important to acknowledge that despite the public perception, ASB cannot be solved by the police alone and effective collaboration with other statutory and community partners is needed to really make a difference in this area.”
Councillor John Hussey, Belfast PCSP Chair, commented: “We welcome the opportunity to host this public meeting in conjunction with Policing Board. Anti-social behaviour is a priority issue across all of the PCSPs, and over the past year Belfast PCSP and its four District PCSPs have allocated around £150,000 to improving community safety by tackling ASB. This has included targeted interventions, education and awareness programmes.
Belfast PCSP and its four district partnerships are fully committed to raising awareness, dealing with and combating anti-social behaviour in all of its various forms across all our communities in Belfast. We continue to work hard to make our communities a better and safer place to work, visit and live in.”
Issues raised during the meeting included tackling the illegal use of scramblers in West Belfast; the accessibility of drugs on the streets; sharing information between agencies; understanding how young people socialise and the provision of safe spaces; ASB in parks and open spaces and in the Holyland area; and the role Social Media can play in ASB.
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For further information please contact the Policing Board's Communications Branch on 07801 738795.
Notes to Editors
The Policing Board / Belfast PCSP public meeting was held in the Banqueting Hall, Belfast City Hall, Belfast on Monday 23 January from 7pm.
Facilitated by Board Member Daniel McCrossan MLA, Supt Ryan Henderson presented a report on the PSNI work in addressing ASB and heard from Nigel Grimshaw, Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, Belfast City Council about how the Council and Belfast PCSP are tackling ASB together and the investments made. A panel discussion followed which consisted of Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, Supt Ryan Henderson and Nigel Grimshaw,
Caption: Pictured at public meeting in City Hall City Hall are: (l-r) Nigel Grimshaw, Belfast City Council, Supt Ryan Henderson, Chief Constable George Hamilton, Belfast PCSP Chair Cllr John Hussey and Board Chair Anne Connolly.
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