CI Nigel Grimshaw Delivers Police Christmas Message

THE PSNI Commander for C District, which includes North Down, Ards, Castlereagh and Down policing areas, has praised the community for its continued support for policing in the last year.

In a Christmas message Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said the public’s help is invaluable when it comes to fighting crime. He also responded to concerns within the community about proposed station closures.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw

"With Christmas almost upon us, and a new year just around the corner, as PSNI Commander for C District I want to take this opportunity to thank you the members of this community for your support throughout 2011. Next year, we will again be calling on you to work with us as partners in the fight against crime.

"Overall crime is down across this district but I am fully aware that is not a comfort to those of you who have become a victim, but I want to assure you that the officers across this district remain determined to provide you with the personal, professional, protective policing service that you deserve", said the Chief Superintendent.

"There has been a lot of speculation in the media recently about proposed closures of police stations in the district. I know how emotive and sensitive this issue is for everyone; however there are some tough resourcing challenges ahead.

"Our aim is that policing should be a part of the local community. However, underused buildings will not achieve this, investment in police officers and staff working in the local community will," said the police officer.

"This community now engages with its police officers in so many new and different ways, from online reporting of non-emergency and hate crime, to interacting with local police on social networking sites. The public can also contact local Neighbourhood Policing Teams directly through telephone numbers provided on our website www.psni.police.uk.

"Because the community now use these methods of contacting officers, fewer people are visiting or using police stations," he said.

"I have a duty to ensure I make the best use of what I have available to me. I must continually review the way we deliver policing across the district to ensure we are innovative, responsive, and visible," he continued.

"The PSNI has undertaken to deliver £135m in efficiency savings back to the government over the next four years. As part of this plan we must deliver a £5m saving in the estate budget in order to protect frontline staff and services.

"This means we cannot continue to fund the current size of our police estate. However I have recently confirmed a new £10m station for Downpatrick. In such austere times, this is truly remarkable news,” said the C District PSNI Commander.

I want to assure you that there will be no surprises, it is important for me to listen to what you think about this issue, and of course I will consult with the community about my future plans for the police stations across C District.

"There needs to be meaningful and sensible debate, and I will always consider all the information available to me, including the professional judgement and experience of my team.  But I am under no illusion. There will be tough decisions to make in the days ahead, and I will not shy away from making them.

"I want to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous new year. Now, more than ever, I recognise the need for people to work together to meet the challenges of 2012 and beyond," added Chief Superintendent Grimshaw.