We think consulting with the public is a key step towards enhanced local decision-making and that good consultation leads to community ownership of a decision.  With this in mind the DPP undertakes a continuous process of consultation with the local community. Examples include:

Postal Surveys - in 2003 and 2004, we worked with NISRA (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) and posted questionnaires to approximately 700 households in the Craigavon Borough Council area.  These questionnaires sought the public's views on:

• what they perceived to be the biggest problems and priorities for policing within the Borough
• how satisfied they were with the police service they received
• what they knew of the DPP and other community policing bodies

A detailed breakdown of the 2003 Survey Results can be found here

A detailed breakdown of the 2004 survey results can be found here

A summary of the 2004 survey was:

Top 3 Concerns

• Underage Drinking
• Young People Causing a Nuisance
• Domestic Burglary

Top 3 Priorities for Police Resources

• Beat/Foot Patrolling
• Prompt Response to Emergencies
• Crime Prevention

DPP Knowledge and Satisfaction

• 67% had heard of DPPs
• 15% knew how to contact their local DPP
• 16% think the DPP is doing a good job
• 31% think the DPP is helping to address local policing problems

Focus Groups - we also use Focus Groups to take more in-depth research into the principal issues and concerns of the public regarding policing and the work of the DPP, and to obtain the views of harder to reach sections of the community.  A Focus Group typically consists of about 10 people from a particular interest perspective - eg migrant workers, older people, young people, community groups etc.  They are paid for their time.  If you would like more information about being part of the next focus group consultation process, contact the DPP Manager - details can be found here.

In 2003 MORI MRC Consultants facilitated this process for Craigavon DPP. An Executive Summary report of their findings can be found here

Community and Police Liaison Committees (CPLCs) and Community Consultative Forums

In the Craigavon area there are currently six such groups in operation.  They are:

• Portadown East Community Safety Forum
• Knocknamuckley Rural Area Community Association
• Waringstown and Donacloney CPLC
• Brownlow CPLC
• Armagh/Tandragee Road CPLC
• Edgarstown, Rectory, Brownstown, Corcrain, Redmanville and Park Road CPLC

Public Consultation Report

The DPP produces a Public Consultation Report each December which specifically takes into consideration those issues which are raised in various local forums.

Click on the links to download a copy of the 2004 and 2005 reports.