20/09/2005

Orde meets with Unionist DPP delegation

PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has met with a delegation of local unionist politicians and members of the Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) to discuss policing of the recent loyalist unrest.

In a statement following the meeting, Sir Hugh said the meeting was "very positive and constructive."

He said: "We discussed of importance to the delegation, we also discussed issues of importance to policing. We as a police service have reiterated our commitment to playing our part in building positive policing relationships. I believe we have now moved forward.

"I and my officers are listening to communities in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. My district commanders are engaging with communities through District Policing Partnerships. DPPs are the forums in which local policing issues can and should be addressed and local commanders can be held to account."

Sir Hugh urged community representatives and members of the public to "engage with police through these forums."

He said: "The Police Service will meet with any representative of the community in Northern Ireland who wished to make a positive contribution to policing."

Last week unionist members withdrew support for the Belfast DPP declaring that relationships with the police were at breaking point and the partnership forum had effectively collapsed.

Unionist politicians critical of the West Belfast District Commander for not engaging with unionist community representatives, and were seeking a "higher level" meeting with the PSNI.

(SP)

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