One of the main functions of the Derry DPP is to work together with the District Commander to agree a local Policing Plan which addresses the main policing priorities of the district over the next twelve months. In this first year of the Partnership Members have had to monitor the police on a local Policing Plan which they have had very little ownership of, given the limited opportunities for community consultation and discussion with the police in determining local priorities prior to its publication.
For the 2004/2005 local policing priorities a sub group of the Derry DPP was established to liaise with the Foyle DCU Senior Command Team. This group discussed the issues highlighted in the Derry DPPs Public Consultation Report. The Report detailed the results of the extensive survey carried out across the district along with an analysis of the main issues and questions raised by the public at the Public Meetings. This information could not be viewed in isolation, so other vital components were addressed, such as police statistics, which were provided by Foyle DCU in relation to the main issues in the Report, and local knowledge.
To support this work and facilitate discussion a workshop was also held in the Radisson Roe, Limavady. Participants included the Derry DPP Members and personnel from all sections and levels of the Foyle DCU. An independent consultant facilitated this event which resulted in a number of priorities for the local Policing Plan.
The District Commander formulated the Foyle District Policing Plan 2004/2005 in consultation with the Partnership, the Community Forums and the community in general. The objectives detailed in this Policing Plan have been chosen to represent the main areas on which the police of Foyle DCU will focus their activities. The new plan includes some objectives carried over from last year but also contains new objectives relating to public reassurance and the fear of crime. The development of a Youth Strategy will also help to identify issues facing young people today and how the police might help to provide assistance and support.