The District Policing Partnership is only one of many oragnisations with a civic duty to the residents of the district to ensure our streets and neighbouhoods are safe for everyone to enjoy. Information on how other government agencies and departments have, and can impact upon policing can be obtained by viewing the following organisational websites:
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) was created in 1972 after the Northern Ireland Government was dissolved in the face of a worsening security situation. The NIO has responsibility for Northern Ireland’s constitutional and security issues, in particular, law and order, political affairs, policing, criminal justice and victims. It also has responsibility for matters relating to the licensing and legislation concerning firearms and explosives, including fireworks. The NIO has a number of agencies; the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Compensation Agency for Northern Ireland, Forensic Science Northern Ireland and Youth Justice Agency.
Northern Ireland Policing Board
The Policing Board is an independent public body made up of 19 Political and Independent Members established to secure for all the people of Northern Ireland an effective, efficient and impartial police service which has the confidence of the whole community. The Policing board takes it's powers from the Police (Northern Ireland) Acts 2000 and 2003. Their main duty under this legislation is to make sure the police are effective and efficient. This covers the actions of everyone who works for the Chief Constable - traffic wardens, support staff and all police officers.
Police Service of Northern Ireland
The Police Service has 26 District Command Units which mirror local government boundaries in Northern Ireland. Each District Command Unit is headed up by a District Commander of superintendent rank with autonomy for local policing,
Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland
The Police Ombudsman provides an independent, impartial police complaints system for the people and police under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and 2000.
Cookstown District Council is one of 26 local authorities in Northern Ireland, and covers an area of 235 sq miles with an approximate population of over 32,500. The Council is comprised of 16 elected representatives with local elections held every four years on a Proportional Representation System. The boundary of the district council is the same as that of the District Policing Partnership and the District Command Unit.
The Office of the Oversight Commissioner was established as a result of the recommendations in the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (the Patten Report). The Oversight Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the changes in policing arrangements decided on in the context of the Patten Report. The Commissioner monitors progress in implementing change; receives reports, information and explanations, as required, from the agencies responsible for progress; and provides public assurance about the progress.
The Community Safety Unit is the co-ordinating body for community safety in Northern Ireland. It’s functions include: developing a community safety strategy for Northern Ireland; influencing Government Departments’ policies; providing information, guidance and advice to local partnerships; funding projects that assist the meeting of central Government crime reduction targets; funding local innovative projects; forging relationships with those dealing with community safety in other countries; and advising Ministers.