Write a commentPolice officers from both sides of the border came together this week for a seminar at Dromantine in Newry to discuss issues affecting society and policing in an ever-changing multicultural environment.
The ‘Challenge for Change in Multicultural Society’ seminar explored issues which influence Policing, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Issues discussed among police practitioners included the rapid transformation of policing and looked ahead to the challenging journey that still remains.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Supt. Paul Reid, said, “This was a wonderful opportunity which allowed police officers from both sides of the border to learn more about the challenges faced by their near neighbours, the innovative approaches to those challenges and successes, to take part in group discussions, and benefit from that sharing. It was a great opportunity for officers to have time to reflect on how they go about their daily business, the impact that they can have on others and to explore how they might learn from each other to improve the service they provide to a diverse set of communities..”
An Garda Síochána Divisional Officer for Louth/Meath, Chief Superintendent Sean Ward said, “The seminar that took place involving members of An Garda Síochána from Louth and the PSNI from Newry, Mourne and Down facilitated the exchange of information and the development of best practice in respect of policing challenges in a multi-cultural society with particular emphasis on the border area. There is no doubt that the welcome arrival of new communities in recent times in both jurisdictions has created similar issues for both policing organisations. In this context, today’s event has provided a great opportunity for members of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI to learn from each other through various presentations and group discussions with the ultimate objective of continually developing and improving the policing service provided to our new and diverse communities. This builds on the extensive good work already being carried out by both police services in building relationships with new communities.”
This event was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Police and Community Safety Partnership and the Council's Good Relations Dept. PCSP's work help make communities safer and to ensure the voices of local people are heard on policing and community safety issues, the PCSP aims to empower communities to work in partnership to develop solutions that will help tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour which includes hate crime and promoting opportunities for dialogue and partnership working.
