One of the main responsibilities of Armagh DPP is to "Gain the co-operation of the public with the Police to prevent crime". Armagh DPP does not have a budget to carry out projects in the area of crime prevention and believes that this function should be carried out by the Community Safety Operational Partnership; therefore the DPP is limited to an informative role in respect of this responsibility.
The following are the steps we have taken to encourage the public to engage with the Police and also the steps we intend to take in the following year.
What we have done:
Themed meetings - Meetings in Public have been based around different themes - domestic violence, rural crime, older peoples issues, alcholol and drugs. A very successful meeting in public aimed at young people took place in October 2004.
Highlighted issues in the press - Reporting of issues discussed at meetings in public have been widely reported in the local press which allows a wide section of the public to become aware of policing issues which are which are highlighted at meetings.
Local Community Police Liaison Committees - three local Community Police Liaison Committees (CPLCs), Loughgall, Markethill and Tandragee, have been funded by the DPP. CPLCs are vital to the local PSNI to enable them to deal effectively with local issues.
Young drivers drama production - this event was part funded by Armagh DPP to enable the PSNI, in association with AXA Insurance, the Southern Education and Library Board and emergency services partners to host a Road Safety Seminar in November 2003 at the Market Place Theatre. The Road show was held to encourage young drivers and those who were about to commence their driving career to adopt a more responsible attitude towards their driving behaviour. The Seminar featured the story of a young man involved in a serious road accident. Pupils from all the post primary schools in the district were involved and the event was deemed a great success.
What we are going to do:
Armagh DPP will continue to promote the roles and responsibilities of Armagh DPP through the distribution of information leaflets.
The DPP will hold a series of events to highlight the needs of various groups and encourage them to work with the police to prevent crime. Groups identified were:
- Young people - schools and youth groups
- People aged between 18 - 25
- Bands and sporting groups
- Local businesses
- Older and less abled people: Pensioners forum, Out and About Club, SHSS Trust
- Victims of Crime
- Rural Community Groups
The DPP will use focussed media coverage to inform and support the community and create a safer environment for all.