Police Board concern over St Andrews Bill

Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board have today expressed their concerns around aspects of Government plans for the 
reconstitution of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) as defined in the Northern Ireland (St Andrew’s Agreement) Bill 2006.

The implications
 of the Bill were discussed in detail at a meeting of the Board’s Corporate Policy, Planning and Performance Committee.

Commenting on this, Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea said:
 “The Board deeply regrets the future implications of the legislation for some DPP members, acknowledges the significant contribution made by DPPs to date, and the service given by all those involved."

He continued: "Board Members believe that reconstitution should have been on as minimal a basis as possible to ensure full community and political representation on each DPP rather than in effect to require the full reconstitution of most DPPs.”

(EF)