2010 Local Press Releases
21 October 2010
YOUNG PEOPLE AND POLICING – MAKING IT BETTER
Young people from local schools and youth associations came out in force to the Millbrook Hotel, Ballynahinch (21st October 2010), to hear about an exciting research project which focuses on young people and policing.
The Seminar which was organised by Down District Policing Partnership (DDPP), PSNI and Down Youth Independent Advisory Group (DYIAG) opened with a role play which outlined some of the perceptions young people may have about police and how these could maybe be challenged and changed for the better.
The findings of the twelve month project which also gathered views of young people on other issues affecting them such as, antisocial behaviour, drugs and alcohol; highlighted how 60.5% of those surveyed for the report thought that interaction between young people and the PSNI was very important. Despite this, poor communication techniques acted as a barrier to this interaction.
Delegates attending were invited to take part in round table discussions to agree recommendations on what actions could be taken to address problems such as communication with agencies such as the PSNI and more importantly suggestions on how youths within Down can play a positive role in informing youth services and the local authority on the development of youth friendly policies.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Desmond Patterson (DDPP Chairman) stated; “We are grateful to all the young people for attending and contributing to this event today; they are a credit to the schools and groups they represent and I would like to take this opportunity to thank teachers and leaders for seeing the value in encouraging youths to attend and interact.
We have been listening to enthusiastic and proactive suggestions on how we can make things better for local children and the agencies they come into contact with, especially the PSNI. We value this input very highly and want to reassure people that we will continue to explore opportunities to put these recommendations into play”.
For further information, please contact Janine Hillen, Partnership Manager on 028 4461 0840.
