Policing must always be a two way relationship

This was the message from Ewan Morgan, CRJIs manager of our Newry and South Armagh office after a meeting with senior police yesterday. The meeting followed on the back of serious criminality in the St Patricks Ward area of Newry last weekend. The community have been feeling isolated and vulnerable as known criminals have set about their despicable actions with little or no concern about a response from police. Ewan says that "confidence in policing has taken a hit and emphasised the importance of delivery". The meeting was also attended by local residents associations and political representatives. Building and maintaining safe communities must be the concern of all but particularly the statutory agencies whose job it is to be effective and deliver focussed interventions. A follow up meeting has been arranged and Ewan has said the police are aware of what needs to be done.