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16/09/2005
Unionists withdraw from Belfast DPPs
The Belfast District Policing Partnership was left reeling on Friday after unionists withdrew their support in protest at police handling of recent violence in loyalist areas.
The North and West Belfast Parades and Cultural Forum said unionists were withdrawing because there was "no partnership in policing" following daily violence in response to Saturday's re-routed Whiterock parade.
A spokesman for the umbrella group said: "There is absolutely no partnership in policing across our community and for that reason, coupled with the intransigence of the PSNI, the forum can now confirm that all unionist representatives on the Belfast DPP are to withdraw with immediate affect."
However, Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said the position of unionists on the DPP had not yet formally been advised to the Board.
"The Board has been working to improve policing for the whole community and through the work of the District Policing Partnerships, engaged with communities on local policing issues. DPPs exist in part to monitor police performance – the most important way to do that is to engage," Sir Desmond said.
But, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said he was "disappointed at the development.
"I am disappointed that some feel they must disengage from District Policing Partnerships. I can give my commitment to local communities that my officers will continue to engage with these forums to help make communities safer," he said.
There are four District Policing Partnerships in Belfast, one for each of the four policing sectors in the city, with unionists being the dominant members.
(MB/SP)
The North and West Belfast Parades and Cultural Forum said unionists were withdrawing because there was "no partnership in policing" following daily violence in response to Saturday's re-routed Whiterock parade.
A spokesman for the umbrella group said: "There is absolutely no partnership in policing across our community and for that reason, coupled with the intransigence of the PSNI, the forum can now confirm that all unionist representatives on the Belfast DPP are to withdraw with immediate affect."
However, Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said the position of unionists on the DPP had not yet formally been advised to the Board.
"The Board has been working to improve policing for the whole community and through the work of the District Policing Partnerships, engaged with communities on local policing issues. DPPs exist in part to monitor police performance – the most important way to do that is to engage," Sir Desmond said.
But, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said he was "disappointed at the development.
"I am disappointed that some feel they must disengage from District Policing Partnerships. I can give my commitment to local communities that my officers will continue to engage with these forums to help make communities safer," he said.
There are four District Policing Partnerships in Belfast, one for each of the four policing sectors in the city, with unionists being the dominant members.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
