Menu
10/12/2009
Extra Police Meeting Security 'Unwanted'
A senior Unionist has insisted public policing meetings cannot be turned into 'fortresses' in response to the threat from dissident republicans.
UUP Assemblyman Basil McCrea (pictured) said upping security at District Policing Partnership (DPP) and Northern Ireland Policing Board meetings would only signal to terrorists that they are winning.
His comments came just weeks after the Real IRA planted a 400lb car bomb close Policing Board headquarters in Belfast.
The device did not fully detonate, but Chief Constable Matt Baggott suggested it had the potential to cause significant damage and "reckless loss of life".
In September, a Moyle DPP meeting was cancelled following a telephoned bomb warning.
Since then several attempts have been made on the lives of serving police officers. A booby trap device exploded under the car of a police officer's partner in east Belfast in October.
Explosives were placed under the passenger's side. The injured civilian woman's PSNI dog handler partner, who normally travelled with her, was not in the car at the time.
Dissidents staged their most deadly attacks in March, when two soldiers were gunned-down outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim.
Several others, including two civilians, were seriously wounded in the shooting.
Less than 48 hours later a policeman was shot dead in Craigavon.
DPP meetings, a forum for public interaction with policing authorities, have become regular targets for campaign groups.
Dissidents republicans have staged several protests at gatherings, on one occasion forcing their way into a Londonderry meeting, causing major disruption to proceedings.
Mr McCrea, a political NI Policing Board member, said security was reliant on intelligence, suggesting it is impossible to protect everyone.
"The way to win the battle over policing is to win the hearts and minds of the public and that isn't going to happen if we turn these meetings into fortresses," he said.
"The threat level is up, but the issue is about making life and policing here ordinary. We can't let the dissidents win."
Derry Alderman Joe Miller said he respected the public's right to hold demonstrations, but objected to entire meetings being brought to a standstill.
Referring to a protest yesterday by family members of IRA man John Brady, who died in police custody, Mr Miller said: "They came in read their statement and left and afterwards we were able to get on and discuss the issue of domestic violence.
"I can handle that. What I can't handle is when they come in and break up a meeting, not letting people get on with the business they have come to do."
(PR/BMcc)
UUP Assemblyman Basil McCrea (pictured) said upping security at District Policing Partnership (DPP) and Northern Ireland Policing Board meetings would only signal to terrorists that they are winning.
His comments came just weeks after the Real IRA planted a 400lb car bomb close Policing Board headquarters in Belfast.
The device did not fully detonate, but Chief Constable Matt Baggott suggested it had the potential to cause significant damage and "reckless loss of life".
In September, a Moyle DPP meeting was cancelled following a telephoned bomb warning.
Since then several attempts have been made on the lives of serving police officers. A booby trap device exploded under the car of a police officer's partner in east Belfast in October.
Explosives were placed under the passenger's side. The injured civilian woman's PSNI dog handler partner, who normally travelled with her, was not in the car at the time.
Dissidents staged their most deadly attacks in March, when two soldiers were gunned-down outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim.
Several others, including two civilians, were seriously wounded in the shooting.
Less than 48 hours later a policeman was shot dead in Craigavon.
DPP meetings, a forum for public interaction with policing authorities, have become regular targets for campaign groups.
Dissidents republicans have staged several protests at gatherings, on one occasion forcing their way into a Londonderry meeting, causing major disruption to proceedings.
Mr McCrea, a political NI Policing Board member, said security was reliant on intelligence, suggesting it is impossible to protect everyone.
"The way to win the battle over policing is to win the hearts and minds of the public and that isn't going to happen if we turn these meetings into fortresses," he said.
"The threat level is up, but the issue is about making life and policing here ordinary. We can't let the dissidents win."
Derry Alderman Joe Miller said he respected the public's right to hold demonstrations, but objected to entire meetings being brought to a standstill.
Referring to a protest yesterday by family members of IRA man John Brady, who died in police custody, Mr Miller said: "They came in read their statement and left and afterwards we were able to get on and discuss the issue of domestic violence.
"I can handle that. What I can't handle is when they come in and break up a meeting, not letting people get on with the business they have come to do."
(PR/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
18 April 2011
PSNI Promises Feedback On Crime
NI's police are making a set of promises this week that may prove to be hard to keep. The new set of commitments has been put forward by PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott to help increase accountability.
PSNI Promises Feedback On Crime
NI's police are making a set of promises this week that may prove to be hard to keep. The new set of commitments has been put forward by PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott to help increase accountability.
25 April 2007
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
