Minister Commends Policing Project

David Ford praised the report and film and spoke of the importance of taking on board the views and experiences of young people when thinking about future plans for policing and the justice system more widely.  He commended the report for capturing the views of harder to reach young people - whose voices are often absent from public consultation exercises.  Basil McCrea spoke of the value of the project to the Policing Board and in particular his work in chairing the Board's Human Rights committee. 

The report and film highlighted the experiences and views of young people from right across Northern Ireland, and also recorded their views about how policing might be improved.  Importantly, the research highlighted that young people's experiences of the police as well as their perceptions of the police have improved in the past few years.  Paul Smyth, Director of Public Achievement said "This is very good news Minister as you take up the Justice portfolio - but the report also highlights that much could be done to improve relationships between young people and the police even further.  Importantly, where young people have positive experiences of the police this clearly has a significantly positive impact on their views of the police and policing.  Where their experiences are negative it can take considerable work to undo the damage done."

The project was funded by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and the Community Relations Council.  It contains a list of important recommendations that the Minister has promised to consider and respond it.