A significant responsibility of a DPP will be gaining the co-operation of a wide cross section of the public with the police in preventing crime. This involves recognising policing in its widest context, consulting non-governmental organisations and community groups as well as statutory agencies. In discharging their responsibilities in this area in line with Point 2 of the Code of Practice, the DPP should identify opportunities to work effectively with other partnerships.
Banbridge DPP agreed that a working group of members and the DPP Manager should progress the compilation of this document which they linked into the objectives and performance indicators in the Banbridge DCU local Policing Plan for 2004/2005. They consulted with the local police Crime Prevention officer and the local council Community Safety Co-ordinator. The Crime Prevention Officer was able to advise members about current and future local DCU crime prevention initiatives, and the Community Safety Co-ordinator was able to confirm local projects that had been successful in receiving funding in the final round of the Challenge Competition run by the NIO Community Safety Unit.
The strategy for Banbridge DPP entitle, “Working Together to Prevent Crime” was launched at the third Meeting in Public on 22 June 2004. A summary of the activities contained in this document can be found below, and the full version of this report can be found with other DPP documents on the DPP website, in local libraries and the Civic Building, and on request to individuals and groups.
Sponsorship of the ‘Road Safe’ roadshow
Banbridge DPP were the first DPP in Northern Ireland to fully sponsor the costs of this event in February 2004, which was part of a programme of similar events organised by the PSNI in various DCUs between September 2003 and March 2004. The results of the 2003 NISRA survey in Banbridge district put road safety put speeding as one of the top five concerns and as one of the biggest concerns of respondents. This event was aimed at young people aged 16-18 years of age who are just starting on the driving careers. Unfortunately, they are also the age group which is most likely to be involved in accidents, often with fatal consequences.
The Partnership paid the full costs for the event; supplied the information packs for students attending the road show; hosted a lunch for guests following the road show; and organised a display of roads policing equipment for guests to look at and try out. The event got excellent press coverage, and also provided a tangible opportunity for the DPP to support an activity which impacted upon a major concern of the local community. A full report of the event can be found in the Summer 2004 edition of “DPP News” edited by the NI Policing Board.