Reid convenes Law and Order group

The primacy of law and order must be reasserted in Northern Ireland if progress towards a fully functioning civic society is to be realised, Secretary of State John Reid has said.

Dr Reid was speaking following the announcement that he is convening a Law and Order Action Group which will coordinate the drive against crime in Northern Ireland.

The Action Group, which has the backing of the Prime Minister, will bring together the Chief Constable, the Lord Chancellor’s Department, the Attorney General and the Northern Ireland Office to tackle every part of the crime spectrum.

Dr Reid said: “I am determined to combat crime from whatever source, across the board. The Organised Crime Task Force has shown that a coordinated, multi-agency focus on the problem is the key to effective action.

"I want to extend that concept to get a clear strategic view on every aspect of criminality in Northern Ireland.

“For many years the focus has been on security but the common acceptance of the need for civilised behaviour is not something confined to the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.

"To live in a peaceful, safe environment should not be an aspiration: it should be a right. The agencies within the criminal justice system, including the police, are the guardians of that and I will do everything in my power to assist them.

"But with rights come responsibilities and respect for law and order and for those whose role it is to uphold it is a fundamental responsibility of the whole community.”

The first meeting of the group will be chaired by the Secretary of State on Wednesday September 25 and, in addition to the Chief Constable , the Lord Chancellor’s Department and the Attorney General will be represented at Ministerial level.

The Secretary of State described Wednesday’s agenda as "comprehensive" and will include a review of current law and order initiatives.

(MB)