Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down has been chosen as part of the initial launch of PSNI Connect, a free messaging service allowing residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with local police. Other areas within the district, along with Lisburn and Castlereagh, are also part of the launch.
Chief Inspector Adam Ruston, who looks after engagement in Newry, Mourne and Down District, said the service was about "connecting communities, building confidence." He said: "We want to work with communities across Northern Ireland to help prevent and deter crime. We want to work in partnership to solve the issues that are impacting communities most.
"By signing up to PSNI Connect you can be in direct contact with the neighbourhood officers working in your area. We will share information about the work we are doing along with crime prevention tips and certain traffic disruption. You will also be able to tell us what impacts you, share feedback and help shape local policing priorities.
"PSNI Connect gives you an opportunity to be more engaged with your local police than ever before. Any contact will be private, it won't be seen by anyone else in your community and therefore won't receive any unwanted comments, something that can happen on social media platforms.
"PSNI Connect gives a voice to people who currently don't have a voice in their community. You can tell us what is happening in your area and what affects you and the people you care about; we will listen and we will be able to provide a more targeted, responsive service for our local communities as a result.
"And, although PSNI Connect isn't suitable for reporting a crime or incident, you will still be able to help investigations if you have the likes of CCTV or Ring doorbell footage relating to a crime in your area."
Residents and businesses can receive updates on the work the Police Service of Northern Ireland is doing in their area, and can also tell local officers what they want them to focus on most in the place where they live or work. Speaking of the initial launch, Ruston said: "Being part of the first rollout of PSNI Connect is really exciting. Get involved, sign up today, and when you do sign up you can decide which information you want to receive from us and which information you're not interested in. You, being one of the first to get involved, can help shape PSNI Connect as it continues to evolve and grow to other communities throughout the rest of Northern Ireland.
"I really look forward to seeing how it helps us in our own community, and seeing how it develops nationally in the coming weeks, months and years."
To sign up to local PSNI Connect, visit www.psniconnect.co.uk. If you've been the victim or witness of a crime or incident, PSNI Connect is not suitable for reporting. The quickest and easiest way to report non-emergency incidents is online at www.psni.police.uk/report or by telephone on 101. If it's an emergency, call 999.
