Ballyclare Gazette - News - Local confidence in PSNI rises

News

Local confidence in PSNI rises

Thursday, 5 January 2012

CONFIDENCE in the Police Service in Ballyclare and across South Antrim is rising according to a recent survey. The Northern Ireland Statistical and Research Agency's quarterly report on confidence in the police and criminal justice system showed a 2% increase in overall confidence in the Police and Police Accountability arrangements.
It recorded a 4.7% increase in overall confidence in local police.
The survey backs up comments made by Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie during a visit to Ballyclare earlier in the year: "From being on the beat with local police and talking to local people, I'm pleased to hear people say they see a lot of police on the ground and the know their neighbourhood officers. I think that's the key; it's not just extra resources on the ground, it's officers who are known, respected and trusted in their community. That's what's important."
Speaking last week the Chief Constable attributed the rise in confidence to the tireless work by police officers and communities across Northern Ireland.
He said: "Our considerable investment in our people and our technology has helped achieve this significant rise. We are focused on the things that matter - dealing with local issues, keeping people safe from serious harm and delivering an improved quality of service.
“I believe this increase in confidence in PSNI has been achieved by the work in communities across Northern Ireland, translating our personal, professional and protective vision into real, every day policing experiences. Ultimately, our aim is to keep people safe. But how we interact with the public is very important, how we deal with their calls for assistance helps build confidence in the service we provide.
“We still face challenges but I can assure every member of the public that we will strive to deliver the service they need, expect and deserve."
The survey also showed a significant rise in other areas including those who believe police provide an ordinary day to day service for all the people of Northern Ireland is up 3.3%, people who feel PSNI do a very or fairly good job in NI as a whole has increased by 4.6%, police can be relied on to be there when you need them has increased from by 6.3% from 43.7 to 50% and over 83% of people surveyed believe that Police would treat you with respect if you had contact with them.