The PSNI and You: An Essential Collaboration.

Chaminda WEERAWARDHANA for the Global Village Editorial Board

The Police Services Northern Ireland is an extremely innovative and dynamic body. Melvin Flores and Chaminda Weerawardhana from the Global Village recently met the senior officers of the PSNI in Derry/Londonderry. The PSNI has initiated a number of new projected to facilitate its relations with the public. As a media firm, we propose to write regular features about the work of the PSNI, its ongoing projects and programmes, in an effort to raise public awareness of the work of this crucial institution.

If you are victimized in any way, (e.g.; homophobic or racially-motivated abuse) and if you want to take it to the police, it is no longer essential ‘go to the police’ in person. You can log onto the PSNI website, and on the lower left side of the homepage, you get an icon called ‘Report Hate Crime’. All you need to do is to click on it. It takes you to an form which can be filled in and submitted online. You do have the right to resort to anonymity, if you do not wish to reveal your identity. A good piece of advice would be to leave your contact details, and the police will get back to you.

The police service also conducts a number of programme specifically targeted at students, high schoolers and immigrant groups. As a journalists’ initiative promoting diversity within the community, we are all ears about the projects intended at the immigrant groups or ‘newly arrived citizens’. In the backdrop of the troubled political past of Northern Ireland and the rather ‘tense’ socio-political situation, it may not be easy for certain new citizens to settle into life in this society. The PSNI proposes to lend a warm and friendly hand to all immigrant groups in becoming an increasingly inclusive element in the community.

We will be writing regular press releases and feature articles on the work of the PSNI in the days to come. Do keep an eye on the webpage for the latest updates about this dynamic institution!
Copyright The Global Village Newsline 2007