Policing issues discussed at meeting

Upper Bann MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has welcomed the opportunity to meet with the District Commander.
UUP MLAs Danny Kennedy, Jo-Anne Dobson and Sam Gardiner met with E District Commander Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields.UUP MLAs Danny Kennedy, Jo-Anne Dobson and Sam Gardiner met with E District Commander Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields.
UUP MLAs Danny Kennedy, Jo-Anne Dobson and Sam Gardiner met with E District Commander Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields.

Mrs Dobson joined fellow UUP MLA’s Danny Kennedy, Jo-Anne Dobson and Sam Gardiner in a meeting with E District Commander Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields, who was accompanied by Superintendent David Moore, District Operations Manager. They discussed policing priorities across Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne.

Following the meeting Mr Dobson said: “As an MLA I am in regular contact with the PSNI regarding issues raised with me by constituents and welcome the opportunity to meet with the District Commander.

“There is a worry that shrinking budgets will inevitability impact on policing levels and we argued strongly that local policing priorities should be protected.

“Day to day policing within our communities is key to investigating criminal activity, tackling anti-social behaviour, challenging underage drinking and conducting road policing operations and I also took the opportunity to once again raise the fear of rural crime.

“Following yet another incident where a car was set alight in Edenvale Avenue Banbridge I once again urged that the PSNI continue to get to the bottom of a number of linked incidents in the town. This is very worrying for many in our community and whilst I am aware that work is being undertaken by the PSNI in the background I once again urged that all efforts are taken to resolve the situation before it escalates.”

She continued: “I praised the recent successful drugs raids in Banbridge and urged that the PSNI continue their successful, and often below the radar, fight against those who seek to blight our communities with drugs.

“I look forward to working with both Chief Superintendent Shields and Superintendent Moore and welcome their offer of regular meetings.”

Mr Kennedy said: “It was extremely helpful for us to meet with the recently appointed District Commander.”

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