FAQ
You will find the answers to some commonly asked questions on this page. However, if you do not find an answer to your query please contact the Partnership Support Team.
Q What is a District Policing Partnership (DPP)?
A A District Policing Partnership is a group set up locally to look at local policing issues with, and on behalf of, the whole community in each Council area, although it is a separate body from Council. Antrim DPP has 19 members, 10 are local Councillors and nine are members of the public who applied, were interviewed, and selected to represent their community on the DPP.
Q Why is there an Antrim DPP?
A It is the law that each Council area has to have a local DPP to work with and between the general public, and the police in that area. The legislation came into effect in 2003, so DPPs have only been in existence for the last few years.
Q What does Antrim DPP do?
A Antrim DPP has five aims which are: -
- To identify local policing issues by consulting with as many people as possible who live or work in the Antrim Borough, and by engaging in discussion with the local police.
- To establish local policing priorities and then to agree performance targets for the local police to meet, which will address the crime issues, identified. These targets are published each year by the local PSNI in a local “Policing Plan”.
- Monitor on an ongoing basis the performance of the police locally in achieving the targets in the local policing plan.
- To develop practical way of gaining the co-operation of communities throughout the Borough, to work with the police and other relevant organisations, to protect themselves from crime.
- To act as a forum for discussion on any local policing matter that you the community feel strongly about.
Q What is an Antrim DPP Public Information Meeting about, and who can attend?
A Approximately every three months the Antrim DPP will organise a Public Information Meeting, and invite everyone who lives or works in the Borough to attend and discuss local policing in an open and transparent manner. The DPP also invite the most senior local police officer, usually the local Area Commander, to update the DPP and the community on how the local police are doing in relation to meeting the targets in the local policing plan i.e. how they are reducing crime and the fear of crime. This is your chance to ask questions and have your issues raised. Click on the ‘Calendar’ to find out details of future meetings.
Q If I have an issue I want dealt with, do I have to wait until the next DPP Public Information Meeting?
A No, issues can be raised with the DPP at any time by contacting a member of Antrim DPP or the Antrim DPP Manager directly in writing, by phone, texting or e-mail. Each DPP Public Information Meeting is held in a different part of the Borough to enable as many people as possible to come and express their views and raise any issues they have.
Q How do I contact Antrim DPP?
A If you know a DPP member you can contact them directly, or contact the Partnership Support Team, in confidence. The Partnership Manager is based at the Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim BT41 2UB. Telephone 02894463113 Extension 1348. E-mail partnershipsupport@antrim.gov.uk
Q I am a member of a community or voluntary organisation and the members of my organisation would like to know more about the DPP and to state their views about local policing, but not at a DPP Public Information Meeting, will the DPP visit my organisation?
A Yes either a few of the DPP members and/or the Partnership Manager would be delighted to meet with your organisation, whatever it is or wherever it is in the Antrim Borough. The DPP want to meet with Community groups, schools, sports clubs, senior citizens groups, in fact any group. Contact the Partnership Manager now to arrange this at a time that suits your organisation.
Q Why should I work with the DPP and co-operate with the police to reduce crime where I live or work, that’s the job of the PSNI isn’t it?
A The police cannot be everywhere all of the time to prevent crime, and so we must be vigilant and help each other to protect ourselves. There are a lot of very simple things that we can do to protect our property, such as locking doors and windows to make it make it harder for burglars. Schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch do deter criminals and make people feel safer in their communities.
For professional advice please contact the Crime Prevention Officer at Antrim Police Station.
If you have any other queries or questions please feel free to contact the Partnership Support Team on 02894463113.
