During the last year I have the opportunity to work very closely with North Down District Policing Partnership. I have been able to consult, explain and engage on a broad range of policing issues and I have regularly reported on police performance. North Down District Policing Partnership have provided me with feedback from wide ranging consultations that they have been carried out with local people and local groups across North Down. I have also had the opportunity to attend a number of Consultation Forums and meet directly with local people to discuss local policing issues. On two occasions I have been accompanied by the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde. All of this feedback is used to inform the local Policing Plan and thereby help shape local policing in a real and meaningful way.
The total number of recorded crimes has decreased significantly during the past financial year, 2007/2008 by almost 18%. We have seen significant crime reductions in relation to assaults and criminal damage however there has been a small increase in Domestic Burglaries. We have also noted decreases in the reported incidents of Anti-social Behaviour.
I very much appreciate and value the work of North Down DPP and I will continue to work very closely with the Partnership during this coming year. North Down DPP and the Police have statutory obligations but much of the work we have done goes well beyond the legal requirements. My officers will also continue to engage with our numerous other partnerships to address local policing issues.
I would encourage anyone interested in local policing issues to engage with the Members of North Down DPP and would strongly advocate attendance at one of the scheduled meetings that are held at different venues across the North Down Area.
The work and involvement of the DPP is crucial to me and to local people and I am personally committed to responding to the issues that are raised.
Please be assured that my officers and I will continue to listen to and respond to local people. We remain determined to continue to provide a high quality, effective policing service to all our community, with the over-arching aim of making North Down safer.
I wish to record my sincere thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Tony Hill and all of the Members who have worked very constructively with the Police throughout the last year and I look forward to the challenges that we face together in the months ahead.
Ian McCoy
Chief Inspector
Area Commander