End of 'revolving door' policy at Green Street 'benefited community'

Chief Inspector Paula Hilman gives the commitment as she prepares to step into the role tomorrow (Friday)

For the past 15 months Chief Inspector Hilman, who is also Area Commander for Newtownabbey, has had responsibility for response policing in Carrick.

The two areas will be under her control and she will report to both Carrick and Newtownabbey District Policing Partnerships. This is a model which has been in place elsewhere for some time, for example in Larne and Ballymena areas.

CI Hilman said: "I am confident that this approach will allow me to continue the achievements of my predecessor, Chief Inspector Natalie Wilson, and her work with the District Policing Partnership and Community Safety Partnership to tackle the issues of concern to the community in Carrickfergus.

"Effectively tackling burglary and anti-social behaviour remain my priority. Together with the Neighbourhood Policing Team, led by Inspector Tommy Mahood, and with the support of voluntary and statutory organisations and the local community, we remain focussed to making Carrickfergus Borough safer.”

The chair of Carrick DPP, Councillor Stewart Dickson, praised CI Wilson, who will remain within D District covering operations, for her contribution to the borough, which followed a period of concern over what was seen by elected representatives as a ‘revolving door’ policy in the top office at Green Street.

He commented: “The District Policing Partnership feels that the PSNI in our District have honoured a promise made to us in 2008 that we would see more continuity in the role of Area Commander and we believe our community has benefited from the stability demonstrated during the period of leadership of Chief Inspector Natalie Wilson.

“We wish Natalie all success in her new role and welcome the focus that Chief Inspector Paula Hilman will demonstrate in this new assignment of Area Commander for both Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey. We look forward to working together in the future.”