BBC
DPP member defies threats

One of six Catholic members of a County Armagh District Policing Partnership has said he will not be intimidated by death threats.
It is believed dissident republicans are behind the threats against SDLP and independent members of Craigavon DPP.

In recent months, there has been a series of threats and attacks on members of policing partnerships across the province.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Thursday, independent DPP member Hugh Casey said the threats would not affect his commitment.

"I'm a person who does not take kindly to threats," he said. "If I set out to do something, I don't let other people deter me from doing it.

"I feel I am performing a public service and as far as the Catholic community are concerned, I am trying to ensure that we have the best policing that we possible can have.

Craigavon DPP member Dolores Kelly is determined to continue

"That is all I'm guilty of."

Upper Bann SDLP Assembly member Dolores Kelly was told by the police that her life was in danger on Tuesday.

It is the third time that Mrs Kelly has been threatened since she was elected in last November's assembly election.

Earlier this week, a letter bomb-type device was sent to the home of Strabane District Policing Partnership Chairman Tom McBride near Plumbridge.

On Wednesday, Mrs Kelly said she was concerned her four children may be at risk, but insisted that she would not be intimidated.

"I have spoken to my fellow members of the (Craigavon) DPP, and we are united in pressing ahead with the new beginning to policing," she said.

District policing partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and implemented by the government.

The partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3500020.stm

Belfast Telegraph
Police chief tells of fears on new terror recruits

By Sean O'Driscoll in New York
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

06 October 2003
Hugh Orde: 'DPP members will not be intimidated PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has said he is worried that dissident republicans are recruiting young people to commit act of terrorism.

Mr Orde said that he could not comment on a recent case in which a teenager was arrested for allegedly threatening members of the District Policing Partnerships in Strabane but said that recent arrests pointed to new recruits among dissident republicans.

Mr Orde said he was disappointed that three members of the DPPs had decided to resign in the face of Real IRA threats but said that the vast majority of DPP members would not be intimidated from their positions.

He also praised a Strabane woman who stood up to the dissidents when they disrupted a DPP meeting in the town.

"There is universal condemnation across the board on this - from Sinn Fein, from everybody," he said.

"We've lost three people who have decided not to stay. But the vast majority have been incredibly robust about staying which indicates the place policing is moving to."

Mr Orde was speaking in New York where he was leading a session of the Northern Ireland 'peace builders' programme' at Columbia University School of International Affairs.

Under the scheme, 21 police and community workers have travelled to New York for a month to learn about community policing. The trip will also involve going out on the beat with New York police officers.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=450512

Newsletter
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/fullnews.asp?DJID=8105
Real IRA Threatens Recruits

THE Real IRA last night issued a chilling warning to any nationalists considering joining the PSNI.

The republican terror group warned it regarded the revamped police force as “an integral section of the British Crown Forces" and said no nationalist could consider joining.

The RIRA also urged the unionist community to "assert their position within the Irish nation" but reaffirmed its stance that only a British withdrawal from Northern Ireland would make them lay down their arms.

The statement was read out by a hooded Real IRA man, flanked by two fellow paramilitaries, on Channel 9, a commercial TV station in Londonderry.

Filmed at a secret location, the statement said: "We cannot envisage a ceasefire in any circumstances other than that in which a declaration of intent to withdraw from the occupied six counties is made by the British Government.

“The unionist community are an important part of the Irish people. We would encourage them to assert their position within the Irish nation and to articulate the needs of their people."

Referring to the new policing arrangements, the statement said: “We regard the PSNI as an integral section of the British Crown Forces and its war machine in Ireland.

“We cannot see how any individual who considers themselves nationalist could join such a force."

And while claiming to have a "considerable, sufficient, principled and politically aware" support base, the terror group said the sharp decline in the number of people registering to vote illustrates the "disillusionment" felt about the "political path of the Provisional leadership".

Last August, the RIRA claimed responsibility for the murder in Londonderry’s Waterside of Protestant construction worker David Caldwell – their first killing since the slaughter of 29 people and two unborn children in Omagh, Co Tyrone, in 1998.

Published: 31/01/2003

50/50 Drive on Course Despite RC Attack Fears

Oct 1 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13466653_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-50%2D50%2DDrive%2Don%2DCourse%2DDespite%2DRC%2DAttack%2DFears-name_page.html

THE 50:50 recruitment drive for policing is on track, despite an increasing number of Roman Catholics citing fear of attack as a deterrent from joining the service.

A landmark survey taken for the Police Board's annual report, published yesterday, suggests increasing numbers of Roman Catholics are refusing to join the PSNI because they fear being targeted.

While the annual report confirmed Roman Catholic staffing levels rose from 8.9 per cent to 11.7 per cent, fear of intimidation or attack on themselves or their relatives was cited as a deterrent by 72 per cent of Roman Catholics questioned in 2002. This compared with 65 per cent 12 months earlier.

Results from the Community Attitudes poll carried out for the Policing Board do not take into account a campaign of death threats by dissident republican terrorists against nationalists involved in the new policing arrangements.

But with overall applications believed to be up 15 per cent in the latest round, Policing Board chairman Prof Desmond Rea insisted the campaign to achieve religious balance was on course.

He said: ''The most recent figures we have seen show no evidence of a lack of a Catholic commitment in applications to the PSNI.''

However, Sinn Fein policing spokesman Gerry Kelly argued Roman Catholic recruitment was low as current policing arrangements are not supported by a majority of nationalists and said claims of initimidation were a ''smokescreen''.

But Prof Rea countered: ''Sinn Fein coming on this board will send a positive message members of the working class Catholic community should be considering policing as a career.

"It would also send a powerful message to the dissidents. It peripherises them.''

Police chiefs earned praise, however, for areas where performance was up on last year, such as vehicle thefts which dropped by nearly eight per cent and detection rates for violent crime which rose from just over 13,000 to more than 15,500.

Drugs Squad officers also scored huge successes, with police seizing £11.1 million worth of narcotics.

Oct 8 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13492511_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Extra%2DSecurity%2DFor%2DDPP%2DMembers-name_page.html

SECURITY cameras are to be installed at the homes of members of Strabane District Policing Partnership following a series of threats and attacks by dissident republicans.

The 15 members of the Strabane DPP - eight drawn locally from the political parties and seven independents - are being given the extra security after bearing the brunt of the dissident campaign.

DPP chairman Tom McBride said members had to take stock of the safety of their family and property.

"This may mean different measures having to be taken in different places," he said.

"The Northern Ireland Office has been in the area and has been assisting individual members with their security."

The move comes after a hoax device was found near the home of two DPP members in Sion Mills and an independent member, Mary McCrea, was attacked for the second time in two weeks.

On Sunday night, her son's car was set alight in an arson attack in the village. Last month, a suspect package - later declared a hoax - was left outside her house.

Mrs McCrea has vowed not to be intimidated out of her position.

SDLP policing spokesman Alex Atwood called on the NIO to appoint contractors to install security measures without delay.

''DPP members are the front line of policing change and that is why dissidents have put DPP members in the front line of threat.

"It is timely that a level-of reassurance is offered to DPP members at their home to address the level of risk, not least given the resilience and resolve shown by members in the face of attack."

Mr McBride also insisted: "The DPP in Strabane is not going to be derailed by a small number of foolhardy people.

''Invaluable work has been going on and will go on in the future. This will not stop."

Three members have already resigned from DPPs across the Province following intimidation by dissident republicans.

Derek Hussey, UUP representative for west Tyrone, has asked the local community to publicly declare their support for members of the Strabane DPP and called on Sinn Fein to declare an end to its opposition to DPPs.

Irish Examiner
IRA 'threatening' police board members
12/09/2003 - 9:00:18 pm

The IRA has threatened all Catholic members of a new community policing body in Northern Ireland, it was claimed tonight.

Nationalists were urged to step up personal security because of heightening fears.

The warning followed an emergency meeting in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, where one of the 26 District Policing Partnerships (DPP) set up to monitor police performance is based.

Senior police officers told the body that mainstream republicans planned an intimidation campaign against all nationalists on the board.

Nine out of the 15 members believe they are under threat.

Sinn Féin dismissed the claims, but unionists accused the IRA of waging a fresh campaign of violence.

The alert came just days after a member in Fermanagh quit when he was threatened by dissident republicans opposed to the Sinn Féin leadership of Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, and the Good Friday Agreement.

Northern Ireland Office officials are to have talks with DPP members next week about stepping up their own security.

Cookstown chairman Patsy McGlone, one of those warned, hit out at the terrorists.

He said: “Those responsible for threats or menacing behaviour on, or against, DPP members are fascists who simply don’t want to see a peaceful new society emerge from years of conflict.”

The threat emerged when members were told that police intelligence indicated “mainstream republicans” aligned to the IRA intend to intimidate all SDLP representatives and independents regarded as Catholic.

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew had earlier attacked the Real IRA for forcing Cathal O’Dolan to resign from the Fermanagh board amid fears he would be executed.

Even though Sinn Fein has refused to endorse Northern Ireland’s new policing arrangements because it insists more reforms are needed, she condemned the targeting campaign.

But Sammy Wilson, a Democratic Unionist member of the central Policing Board, claimed the Provos had not changed.

He said: “The latest round of threats made against the DPP members in Cookstown by the Provisional IRA proves they are still in the business of terrorism and their political spokesmen in Sinn Féin are in the business of justifying these actions.

“Let’s hear Sinn Féin vociferously condemning these threats. Failure to do so will confirm that they continue to be the mouth piece of the hooded gunmen.”

Ulster Unionist Honorary Secretary Arlene Foster insisted the threats were a major blow to Sinn Féin’s credibility.

She said: “It raises questions as to whether the mainstream republican approach to this process is to further the struggle by keeping the paramilitary wing while participating in politics.”

But the Sinn Féin former Assembly member for the area, Francie Molloy, insisted mainstream republicans were not involved.

“There’s nothing that would indicate a change of attitude,” he said.

“Whilst there has been reports of other threats coming from different quarters I don’t think at all this was a threat from the Provisional IRA.”

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman refused to comment on the threats.

He said: “We do not comment on the security of any individuals. However, where we believe that someone needs to review their personal security we take steps to inform them.”

But a spokesman for the Policing Board in Belfast said: “We recognise that this must be a particularly worrying time for those affected and is monitoring the overall situation.”

http://www.breakingnews.ie/2003/09/12/story113191.html

Irish Independent 26th September
None of them has gone away

(by Ruth Dudley Edwards, Sunday Independent)

The Real IRA are happy this week, having drawn upon themselves outraged condemnations from what they regard as the Establishment: Martin McGuinness, Mark Durkan, unionists, the British and Irish governments and innumerable right-thinking people everywhere have denounced RIRA for their campaign of intimidation against Catholic members of policing boards in Northern Ireland. Like all terrorists everywhere, notice is what RIRA look for.

If I had any pity in my heart for the republican leadership, I’d feel it now. RIRA are forcing their hand and pushing them towards endorsing the PSNI sooner than they had wished and before they’ve wrung every possible concession out of two malleable governments.

Until very recently, a bit of intimidation was part of Provo strategy. As Mark Durkan disobligingly reminded us last week, Gerry Adams enjoined republicans to treat anyone involved in the PSNI as they had their RUC equivalents. That was alarming for those who knew Gerry’s role in an organisation that murdered 273 members of the RUC – the last two shot in the head in June 1997. But New Gerry didn’t mean the PSNI should be killed or wounded: ostracising and intimidating would do nicely. Peace-loving Mitchel McLaughlin agreed. Last year he refused to condemn those who booby-trapped the car of a young Catholic police recruit, but there’s no doubt he’d have been vexed had the lad been blown up.

The trouble is those pesky dissidents are a very unsubtle crew – poor old plodders who know only how to do what Gerry and Martin now pretend never happened. So not only are they doing their level best to murder and terrify people, but they’re ready to sacrifice some of their own for the sake of winning popular support. That strategy had a setback the other week when the British government announced it would segregate paramilitary prisoners in Maghaberry. Fearful of allowing the prisoners to take over the prison, as happened in the Maze, policy had been to insist on integration, but faced with a long-running dirty protest and the threat of an imminent hunger strike, the government caved in.

Support for dissidents may be insignificant at present, but atavistic passions can always be reawakened if the circumstances are right. In 1991, Sinn Féin trailed their victims’ roadshow around Ireland in a successful attempt to brainwash a new generation into believing that the IRA and INLA terrorists who starved themselves to death in 1982 were innocent heroes. Now, only two years on, there was a hideous prospect of RIRA and CIRA (Continuity IRA) prisoners seizing the mantle of Bobby Sands and co. Whether the danger is over remains to be seen: it is already clear that republican prisoners are looking for new grounds for confrontation. And Bobby Sands’s sister, Bernadette, presently hacked-off that her husband Michael McKevitt is in prison for directing terrorism, is brilliantly placed to exploit a RIRA hunger-strike.

These people are no different from the Provos in the 1970s, before a few of them grasped that murdering unionists and Brits was not bringing a United Ireland closer. RIRA are corrupt: the lads feather their own nests as well as building bombs to destroy the lives of fellow citizens in the name of Irish freedom. So what’s new about that? There’s a certain millionaire Provo baron in South Armagh who is an icon for many as he industriously double-jobs as mega-smuggler and IRA Chief of Staff.

Politically, RIRA and their CIRA mates are, as McGuinness says, ‘a shambles’: stupid, narrow, visionless fundamentalists who can’t understand either their history or the world around them. And they may be, as he also says, ‘militarily useless’. Yet they’re dangerous. Sure, the garda and the PSNI have had many successes in stopping RIRA and CIRA bombs, but – as the IRA put it so sweetly years ago – they ‘only have to be lucky once’. These are the people who brought us Omagh.

The truth is that none of these bastards has gone away. Not RIRA. Not the Provos, who are still killing (Gareth O’Connor, a dissident, was almost certainly murdered in May in Armagh because he annoyed friends of the baron), still beating, shooting and mutilating those of whom they disapprove and still running huge rackets which handsomely subsidise Sinn Féin (indeed, in Cookstown, a few locals have done a bit of DPP-intimidating themselves). And not CIRA, some of whom were arrested in June manufacturing a 1,100 bomb. The grim truth is that the cancer of republican terrorism is still in our body politic.

What do we do? Throw the resources of the state into protecting DPP members for one thing. Bear down ever heavier on paramilitaries for another. What emphatically we should not do is encourage the IRA to use violence against the dissidents even more than they do already. Democratic societies have no business asking fascists to do their dirty work.

September 26, 2003
http://www.nuzhound.com/articles/arts2003/sep21_none_has_gone_away__RDEdwards.php

Durkan Points Finger at IRA

Sep 19 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13425540_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Durkan%2DPoints%2DFinger%2Dat%2DIRA-name_page.html

By Ciaran McKeown Political Correspondent

WE do not want to get into a party-political spat over policing, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said yesterday - and then launched into a blistering attack on Sinn Fein's posture on the issue.

Mr Durkan ''warmly welcomed'' Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness's firm repudiation of the attacks on District Police Partners, but he fiercely countered SF president Gerry Adams's accusation that the SDLP was engaging in ''opportunism'' over the issue.

A six-page SDLP document listed the attacks on members of District Police Partnership Boards, as well as threats by both mainstream and dissident republicans.

The political thrust of the document lay in an attack on Sinn Fein's record of '' intimidation'' or refusal to condemn intimidation of DPP members.

A busy SDLP day began with a delegation to PSNI headquarters for a meeting with Chief Constable Hugh Orde.

Mr Durkan was accompanied by deputy leader Brid Rodgers, party policing spokesman Alex Attwood, and the chairmen of two of the DPP boards under attack, Strabane's Councillor Tom McBride and Cookstown's Councillor Patsy McGlone.

"Those working on DPPs, like the new police recruits, are playing their part in implementing the Patten report,'' Mr Durkan said. "Those who are threatening them and attacking them are working against Patten, against the Agreement and against change.''

A hoax device was left outside Mr McBride's house at the weekend, while the car of the daughter of SDLP Strabane DPP member Anne Bell was burned last March.

All Catholic members of the Cookstown District Policing Partnership have received notification that that are under threat from the mainstream IRA. Teresa Rooney, independent member of Cookstown DPP, resigned on Tuesday.

Mr Durkan pressed for urgent domestic security measures for DPP members, such as sensor alarms, sensor flood-lighting and door and periphery cameras, and listed time targets for such provision in the wake of threats, and urged the NIO to expand the list of contractors to supply and fit protection measures, to enable installation in the shortest possible time.

"The pace of policing change is a threat to those who now use threats to undo the Patten changes. This must be confronted across the board and the DPP members should be protected immediately.''

He welcomed Mr McGuinness's remarks, but called for an IRA statement on the issue.

Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness described the attacks as despicable but also criticised the SDLP's comments.

He said: ''I have to say I was very surprised by the leadership of the SDLP's attitude in the course of recent times.

"Denis Bradley himself has stated very clearly that he does not believe that mainstream republicans, as they are described, are involved in any of these incidents.

"These incidents are absolutely deplorable. They are despicable and they are coming from a gang of people who are militarily useless and politically are a shambles.

"This is not a matter for the IRA. This is a matter for the SDLP to stop politicking on what is a serious issue.

"Of course we should all come together and express in the strongest possible terms our absolute abhorrence of these attacks on independent members of the district policing partnerships,'' he said.

c.mckeown@newsletter.co.uk

Nationalists' Turn to Argue Over Patten

Sep 19 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/pointsofview/comment/content_objectid=13425560_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Nationalists%2D%2DTurn%2Dto%2DArgue%2DOver%2DPatten-name_page.html

AS the News Letter predicted weeks ago, policing is right at the heart of what is simultaneously a revived peace process and a prolonged election campaign.

Over the last few years, while the unionist community was preoccupied with the emotional and political fall-out of the transition from the RUC to the PSNI, the SDLP set about monitoring the detail of legislation as it went through Westminster, and then, with some reservations but overall enthusiasm, committed themselves to full participation in the new structures.

They did so at some political risk to themselves, given that Sinn Fein was holding out for the devolution of justice powers, thus posturing as the party which would deliver the best deal from a nationalist/ republican perspective.

Until this week, it looked as if the republicans' cold calculation had been justified, with no sign that the SDLP would harvest the political credit for its dedicated parliamentary work and day-to-day engagement in the policing structures.

Suddenly, as the whole community reacts with horror to the murder threats to and arson attacks on fully committed constitutional nationalists, Sinn Fein, perhaps for the first time since the peace process began, finds itself on the back foot, trying to put clear green water between themselves and the Real IRA - while continuing to boycott the Policing Board and the District Policing Partnerships.

It is no wonder that there have been howls of political pain from the Sinn Fein leaders, revealing, perhaps unwittingly, how much the issue could hurt them by accusing the SDLP of ''opportunism''.

It is true that Martin McGuinness, Mitchel McLaughlin and Michelle Gildernew have clearly and firmly repudiated the RIRA threats. But for the community as a whole, the actions of the dissidents awaken memories of the methods used by the Provisional IRA.

The inability of Sinn Fein, so far, to move from their abstentionist position on policing as they have on political representation, carries an implict threat that they might some day go back to their old ways.

Otherwise, why is the IRA not decommissioning and disbanding?

The clearest statement that Messrs Adams and McGuinness can make of their real intentions is to take this opportunity to show solidarity with the overwhelming majority of citizens and give full backing to the new policing arrangements.

Maybe they need the electorate to tell them that: in which case, nationalists will have the opportunity to reward the SDLP for its courageous constitutionalism, and punish Sinn Fein for its constitutional cowardice.

Belfast Telegraph
Threat to new Catholic recruits must be lifted
PSNI monitor calls for end to republican intimidation

By Staff Reporter

REPUBLICANS faced new pressure today to end intimidation of young Catholics seeking to join the police.

Tom Constantine, the US police chief monitoring the programme of reform within the force, claimed potential recruits have been frightened off.

Sinn Fein has refused to endorse the revised policing arrangements because it argues that powers to hold Chief Constable Hugh Orde to account are not strong enough.

But Mr Constantine expressed concern that political leaders have tried to steer supporters away from considering careers as police officers.

"This recommendation has not been fulfilled as there is evidence of a lack of encouragement and, in some cases, reports of intimidation," he said.

The Oversight Commissioner's report flagged up several other areas of concern including:

-Moves to ease a manpower crisis by employing civilians and releasing hundreds more desk-bound officers have made little progress;

-the amalgamation of Special Branch with CID is moving so slowly that the Oversight Commissioner's remit could run out before the new system is in place;

-new district command structures are not functioning properly because administrative posts have yet to be filled;

-the highest sick leave levels in the UK have yet to be tackled;

-limited progress in removing the trappings of conflict from "fortress-like" police stations;

-failure to develop an early-warning system to identify problem police officers;

-work has yet to begin on a police college;

-demands for officers to receive classroom training on new policing and human rights legislation have yet to be met.

Mr Constantine's latest report has studied overall progress towards achieving Patten since autumn last year.

Although it could take up to seven more years to complete all of the recommendations, he reckoned the critical areas will be completed by late 2004.

His cause for optimism was partly based on big moves to get the Policing Board watchdog and Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's complaints office up and running.

Their performance has been excellent, he noted.

Efforts to plug the holes in police strength after regular officer numbers plunged to 6,900 compared to Patten's recommendation for a 7,500 operational force have also been boosted by new recruits of "outstanding quality", despite the failure of all sides to promote the PSNI as a career path, he claimed.

http://www.u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=41385&pt=n
WEDNESDAY 14/01/2004 10:42:44

Arson attack on DPP member's car

An arson attack on a colleague's car was ''frightening'', the chairman of a local policing board in Northern Ireland said today.
By:Press Association

The vehicle, belonging to a member of the Armagh District Policing Partnership, was gutted after being torched outside the woman`s house in the Wayside area of Tandragee.

Police were called to the scene of the arson attack after 2.30am.

Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Steers, the chairman of Armagh DPP, condemned the incident.

``The DPP members are people who are community minded and have given their time, energy and effort on behalf of the entire community,`` he said.

``This is a frightening incident.``

Several members of district policing partnerships, which liaise with police commanders on local law and order issues, have been targeted over the past year or threatened by republicans.

In most cases, hard-line dissident republicans have been blamed.

Police today appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious in Tandragee to help with their investigation.

Nationalist SDLP Assembly Member Dominic Bradley condemned the arson attack.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said it was a ``miracle that no one was killed or seriously injured by this disgraceful attack``.

He added: ``The thugs behind these attacks have committed a brutal assault on the whole community.

``DPP members have put their lives on the line to stand up for the policing reform that we all want and need. They will not be stopped by acts of wanton brutality and hatred such as this.

``The days of the faceless men are long gone. They have no support and no mandate for their actions.``

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy said the attack was ``utterly disgraceful``.

The Newry and Armagh MLA continued: ``There is no place in decent society for those who would seek to intimidate and terrorise anyone.

``The work of DPPs is essential and those who offer themselves to the community to help tackle policing issues are to be applauded.``

The Northern Ireland Policing Board was today discussing the latest attack at a meeting of its community involvement committee.

Professor Desmond Rea, who chairs the board, said the incident was ``despicable`` and condemned by all his colleagues.

``All members of every DPP work for the benefit of the whole community and their work and contribution is invaluable,`` he added.

http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13283048_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Bullets%2DThreat%2Dto%2DPolicing%2DWoman-name_page.html
Bullets Threat to Policing Woman Aug 12 2003

By Ian Starrett


A DISTRICT Police Partnership member pledged to continue her work despite receiving a death threat yesterday.

Police have condemned as "cowards'' those responsible for sending Londonderry woman Marion Quinn three live bullets and a Mass card.

Denis Bradley, deputy chairman of the Policing Board, who lives in Londonderry, also received bullets in yesterday's post.

Dissident republicans were being blamed for threatening both Mrs Quinn and Mr Bradley.

Last month, a hoax bomb was placed under Mrs Quinn's daughter's car in Londonderry city centre.

The independent DPP member and mother-of-four said that while the development is extremely worrying she is determined to stand up for what she believes in.

"I'm terribly upset, naturally enough, to have this arrive at my door but I'm also terribly angry because for over 30 years my community has cried out for decent accountable policing,'' she said.

"This is what our DPP is trying to do for the community and obviously somebody doesn't like that. Somebody doesn't want a lawful society.

"They want the lawlessness that has continued over the last 30 years to continue again.

"Nobody is going to stop me doing what I passionately believe in.''

PSNI Superintendent Johnny McCarroll said that he was " disgusted by this blatant act of intimidation".

"Local people who serve on the District Policing Partnerships and indeed join the PSNI are the people of real courage in this community unlike the cowards who seek to intimidate anyone who wants to contribute to policing in a democratic society,'' said Supt McCarroll.

John Kerr, chairman of Londonderry's District Policing Partnership, condemned the threat.

Mr Kerr said: "This is a mindless act aimed at intimidating a member of the local community who has played an active role in the city. The members of the District Policing Partnership make a valuable contribution to bringing change to our society and I totally condemn this deplorable threat against Marion and her family.''

Meanwhile, a Sinn Fein councillor in Newtownabbey claimed she had been warned by police that her life was at risk from a group calling itself the Loyalist Action Force.

Breige Meehan criticised the PSNI for not supplying more detail about the threats.

"Such threats will not deter me from carrying out the job that I was elected to carry out or in representing my constituents,'' she said.

"The indication is that this latest threat is because of my support for communities living with Orange Order marches."

i.starrett@lineone.net

Dissident republicans were tonight blamed for chilling death threats against
members of two policing bodies in Northern Ireland.

By:Press Association

The deputy chairman of the Policing Board Denis Bradley and Marion Quinn, an
independent member of the Londonderry District Policing Partnership, both had
bullets sent through the post to their homes.

Mrs Quinn, an independent member of the Derry DPP, also had a Mass card sent
to her.

Her daughter`s car had a hoax device attached it to it last month, sparking a
bomb alert at former SDLP`s leader John Hume`s office.

While Mr Bradley was unavailable for comment, Mrs Quinn vowed to continue her
work despite the threats.

She explained: ``I went on to the board feeling I could do some good work for
my community on the policing issues affecting them - petty crime, road
traffic, anti-social behaviour. Nothing has changed.

``For over 30 years my community cried out for decent, accountable policing.

``This is the first chance we have had to deliver that.

``The people who carry out acts like this aren`t interested in law and order.
They want lawlessness so they can continue making too much money through
illegal activities.``

District Policing Partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under
reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten
and implemented by the Government.

Councillors and members of the local community sit on the boards and work
alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland`s 29 District Command Units in
trying to meet local community policing needs.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues
facing policing and holds PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and his senior
officers to account.

Former Assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose
headquarters are in Belfast.

Sinn Fein has boycotted the new structures, insisting the Government`s
policing reforms need to go further if they are ever going to participate.

Hardline republicans have, however, gone further and threatened board members.

PSNI Superintendent Johnny McCarroll was ``disgusted`` by the threat against
Mrs Quinn.

``Local people who serve on the district policing partnerships and indeed
join the PSNI are the people of real courage in this community unlike the cowards
who seek to intimidate anyone who wants to contribute to policing in a
democratic society,`` he said.

SDLP councillor Gerard Diver also condemned the incident.

``This is an outrageous attack on a woman trying to ensure community policing
is accountable for the first time in our history,`` he said.

``It is an attack not just on her and her family but an attack on anyone who
is or has considered being a DPP member.

``I am sure Marion and her family will be upset but I hope she will not be
deterred.

``It is typical of people like these that they would choose vulnerable people
like women and their daughters for these type of attacks.``

SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood condemned the threat to Mr Bradley.

The west Belfast councillor said: ``The single-mindedness and determination
of the Board and DPP members is in stark contrast to the cowardice and narrow
mindedness of those behind this attack.

``It is now time for all to stand up and be counted and to stand firm for new
policing opportunities.``

FRIDAY 21/02/2003 16:44:13

Firebomb bid on recruitment agency condemned

Nationalist politicians today condemned an incendiary device sent to the offices of an agency responsible for civilian recruitment to police jobs.

A member of the public walked into a Belfast city centre station with the firebomb after it was sent to Grafton Recruitment.

The company has been responsible for recruiting civilians for up to 650 posts in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

It is extremely disturbing that anyone would want to plant an incendiary device at Grafton Recruitment

Joe Byrne

The device was defused by Army bomb disposal experts.

SDLP Policing Board member Joe Byrne called on politicians, church and community leaders to condemn those responsible.

``It is extremely disturbing that anyone would want to plant an incendiary device at Grafton Recruitment,`` the West Tyrone MLA said.

``All right thinking people believe that the paramilitary targeting and threats to workers and businesses involved in PSNI recruitment should have no place in our society.

``It is vital that all political parties, community and church leaders reassert their commitment and resolve to making sure the current peace process and the political process is in no way distracted or disturbed.

``The threat against PSNI officers, trainees and those responsible for civilian recruitment is in stark contrast to the commitment and conviction of those participating in the new policing structures.``

WEDNESDAY 24/09/2003 09:55:28

Suspect device found at DPP member's home
http://www.u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=37433&pt=n

A suspect device has been found outside the home of a District Policing Partnership member in Strabane, County Tyrone. It was discovered this morning at the house in Sion Mills.

Army bomb experts have been called to the scene.

This latest attack on a DPP member comes ahead of a protest by Sinn Fein outside a meeting of the Strabane Parnership board tonight.

The Republicans have refused to call off the picket despite the SDLP condemning it as imtimidation.

Standing Up to the Bullies

Sep 25 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13446250_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Standing%2DUp%2Dto%2Dthe%2DBullies-name_page.html

By Gemma Murray

THE first meeting of the Strabane District Policing Partnership was adjourned twice last night because of heckling and shouts of abuse from dissident republicans.

Around 30 people representing the 32-County Sovereignty Committee stood outside Strabane District Council offices carrying tricolours and placards.

They also briefly blocked the car of Policing Board member Alex Atwood.

Spokesperson for the group Marion Price, who refused to condemn recent attacks on the homes of DPP members, said the protest was to highlight recent searches at the homes of 32-County Sovereignty Committee members in Strabane.

"We are not really interested in what is going on inside," she said.

Before the meeting got under way, around 50 Sinn Fein supporters staged a peaceful demonstration.

Earlier, independent board member Mary McCrea refused to be intimidated out of her position despite a hoax bomb attack on her home.

Army experts carried out a controlled explosion on the suspect package at the home of the 51-year-old bank employee in Sion Mills.

The area was cordoned off and a number of houses were evacuated after the package was discovered at about 8am.

She said: "It is something that is not going to deter me. "I thought the days of the faceless men had gone - they're still here but they're not going to deter me, and the community is completely behind me."

This is the latest of a series of attacks and threats to members of policing partnerships across Northern Ireland which have resulted in three members resigning.

The chairman of Strabane DPP, Tom McBride, said this latest attack would reinforce the determination of members to carry on with their work.

SDLP councillor Eugene McMenamin condemned Sinn Fein's picketing the meeting of the Strabane board.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness condemned as "mindless morons" those who were behind the intimidation of DPP members west of the Bann.

He also condemned the hoax bomb attacks at Sion Mills however, he refused to call off his party's protest over policing in Strabane.

g.murray@newsletter.co.uk

Sinn Féin moves to deny DPP threat row

(William Scholes, Irish News)

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams yesterday insisted that there was no row between the party leadership and the IRA in Co Tyrone after claims that the Provisionals intimidated Cookstown district policing partnership members.

However, the Irish News understands that senior Sinn Féin figures, including Mr Adams and Martin McGuinness, had to step in after it emerged that Catholics serving on Cookstown district Policing Partnership (DPP) had been targeted by IRA members.

Last night, Sinn Féin representatives in Cookstown said that “everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet” over the issue of policing and that there had been no disagreement between the local party and the central leadership.

But sources told the Irish News that Sinn Féin’s senior leadership had played “a positive role” by intervening in the Cookstown dispute.

“It was embarrassing for Sinn Féin when it came out that low-level IRA members were involved in intimidating some DPP members in Cookstown so Adams and McGuinness had to get in touch,” one source said.

“The local leadership is opposed to moves towards signing up to policing but had to step into line when the big guns got involved,” another said.

Sinn Féin councillor John McNamee, chairman of Cookstown District Council, said he was not aware of any rift between the party and the IRA in the area. He added that the alleged threats to DPP members had been “blown out of proportion”.

“As far as I know there were no actual threats made to anyone in Cookstown and it is clear that the IRA was not involved,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Adams telephoned BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster to angrily deny that there had been any row.

“It’s not true,” he said, several times.

SDLP former Mid Ulster assembly member Denis Haughey said: “It’s still an open question as to who was involved (in the Cookstown DPP threats) but I would like the Provisional IRA leadership to come out and support the right of any individual to sit on a DPP if that is what they want to do.”

Sinn Féin has condemned the Real IRA’s campaign of intimidation and attacks targeted at Catholic DPP members. The RIRA claims that all DPP members are “legitimate targets”.

September 25, 2003
http://www.nuzhound.com/articles/irish_news/arts2003/sep24_SF_moves_to_deny_DPP_threat_row.php

Insider at Garda Station IRA Death Squad to Officers Sep 25 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13446229_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Insider%2Dat%2DGarda%2DStation%2DIRA%2DDeath%2DSquad%2Dto%2DOfficers-name_page.html


While republicans and nationalists have demanded inquiries into collusion in Ulster, a string of allegations that Garda officers assisted the IRA in murder have never been investigated.

Canadian Judge Peter Cory will next month reveal his findings on two cases of alleged Garda collusion: the murders of RUC officers Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan and Lord Justice Gibson and his wife Lady Cecily.

Ahead of his report News Letter Chief Reporter STEPHEN DEMPSTER reveals a worrying list of claims

ON March 20, 1989, two senior RUC officers attended a meeting at Dundalk Garda station to discuss border security with police in the Republic.

Such get-togethers were common, usually a monthly or even bi-monthly occurrence.

There was nothing different about the 2pm gathering, though News Letter security sources have said that RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan had shown some reservations about the trip that day.

"Harry Breen had made a call to see if the meeting could be postponed,'' claimed a former RUC man.

"I have no idea why he felt uneasy about something but the order came down from above to go.''

The pair travelled south on the main Newry to Dundalk road and parked their unmarked Vauxhall Cavalier car inside the Garda station grounds.

Afterwards, they took a different route home, heading towards Jonesborough.

Around 4pm on the Edenappa Road, their car was ambushed by the IRA close to the south Armagh border.

It is thought that five gunmen were directly involved in the attack and the officers died in a hail of machine-gun fire.

Within hours of the murders, suspicion was rife as to how the IRA had known the men were in Dundalk and travelling back on that road.

Unionist politicians cried '' collusion''.

Publicly, the RUC dismissed this claim, saying they had the greatest confidence in police colleagues in the Republic.

But the News Letter can reveal that behind the scenes RUC officers were deeply concerned that gardai had been involved.

A source close to the then RUC Chief Constable Sir Jack Hermon has said that police in the Province unofficially began to hide their border movements from gardai.

"There was a lot of concern,'' he said.

"Not because the Garda was corrupt, the vast majority were good officers, but we knew there were IRA moles.''

Conspiracy sceptics have said the RUC men's car was simply spotted at the Dundalk station and followed back towards the border, using radio links to alert the gunmen up ahead.

The News Letter, however, has learned from a top IRA informer at that time that this theory may only have been partially true and that a Garda IRA mole was involved.

Kevin Fulton, the British Army spy in the IRA, was based in Dundalk at the time of the killings.

And he has said that an IRA mole in Dundalk Garda station - whom he has now named to Canadian Judge Peter Cory's inquiry into the murders - had tipped off the IRA.

He said: ''Those murders were the work of the south Armagh IRA.''

''Basically, the IRA had every road covered coming from Dundalk and across the border.

"A car followed the RUC officers from Dundalk.''

When it was suggested that the officers could have been spotted in the town and the operation set-up, Fulton dismissed this.

"No, they had to know Breen and Buchanan were coming down. To get so many IRA men on the ground so quickly, they had to know.''

When asked were they tipped off, Fulton said ''yes''. By someone in the Garda station? ''yes''.

When the name of the alleged mole was put to him, Fulton said: ''I believe it was him.''

In his book Bandit Country, author Toby Harnden also said: ''RUC Special Branch received intelligence that a Garda officer telephoned an IRA member to tip him off.''

A former Garda Detective Inspector has now said: ''I'm afraid the leak came from a Garda officer.''

Fulton also disputes the RUC claim at the time that, ''there were no bombs, it was not prepared beforehand'' because, for the first time, it can be revealed why there was no bomb.

He said: ''The IRA had planned to abduct them. A bomb would have killed them outright.''

Fulton added: ''But one man let loose with a round and it just went off.''

Also looking into the case has been William Frazer and colleague William Wilkinson at victims' group FAIR.

They have grave concerns about the Breen and Buchanan murders.

Mr Frazer believes it to be highlyunlikely that a passing IRA man spotted the vehicle going into the station and in the space of two hours a sophisticated operation could have been set-up.

"The IRA had prior notice that the police were coming down because that operation that day covered four roads and they had a lot of men on all of them,'' he said.

"There's no way that operation could be done within one or two hours notice.

"The IRA did not just decide things like that on a whim.''

Newsletter
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/fullnews.asp?DJID=8321
Republican Threat to Base Workers

COUNCIL workers are living under threat from republicans if they continue to provide services to the police and Army.

The chilling Continuity IRA warning follows a bomb explosion outside the Fermanagh District Council offices in Enniskillen on Monday.

A caller to a Fermanagh newspaper warned "all district councils should immediately cease the collection of refuse or provision of other services to PSNI and British Army barracks."

A recognised codeword was given.

The caller, who also admitted Continuity IRA responsibility for the bomb attack on the council offices and Stewartstown police station in Co Tyrone, warned "the civilian population to stay clear of these barracks".

"We further warn against the involvement of anyone in these forces. Such involvement will be treated in the same manner as it has always been by republicans."

He added: "Threats from Free State ministers like Michael McDowell will not deter us in our ultimate objective which remains the removal of the British presence," he said.
PSNI spokesman Chief Superintendent Gerry O'Callaghan condemned the threats and confirmed they would form part of the investigation into the explosion on Monday night.
"Whilst all threats of this nature have to be treated seriously, I would urge the community not to be intimidated by these criminal gangs", he said.
Published: 13/02/2003

http://www.u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=35577&pt=n WEDNESDAY 06/08/2003 15:55:43
RIRA bomb victim vows to join police

A teenage army cadet who was blinded by a terrorist bomb today opened a high-tech police disability office and vowed that he would one day join the force.
By:Press Association

Stephen Menary, 16, also lost his left hand in a Real IRA blast in February 2001. He had picked up a bomb disguised as a torch outside a Territorial Army Barracks in White City, west London.

``There are more jobs for me in the Met than in any other company,`` said Stephen as he demonstrated the technology at the Met`s Central London Disability Concept Office.

``With the Met I do not think you would be doing the same job every day. I would like to join at some point but I have to do my exams first.``

Stephen`s mother Carol, of East Acton, west London, said: ``He always wanted to be in the army, civil service or the police because he feels they do a good job. New technology like this is good because it opens doors and he can apply for things like other people.``

The Met has set up the office in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act to improve services for its disabled staff and those who may become disabled in the future.

People with restricted sight, upper limb disorders, restricted hand movements or dyslexia will now be able to navigate their way around specialist software and office equipment that was tested by Stephen during his two weeks work experience at the Met last year.

This includes flexible keyboards, one handed keyboards which can be easily used by cerebral palsy suffers, hand-shaped mice, keyboards with coloured letters, voice activated software and zoom text which uses bigger print and screens. They can also use jaws, a text reader software package aimed at people with restricted sight, and sit on ergonomically designed chairs at desks with changeable heights.

Constant assessments of disabled worker needs will be carried out at the office with the aim of setting up similar centres at police stations around London.

Advice and support for the office has come from Access to Work, which is part of the Department of Work and Pensions and some equipment has been donated by firms already working with the Met.

BBC
Dissidents 'behind arson attack'

The SDLP has blamed dissident republicans for an arson attack on a car belonging to the daughter of one of its councillors.
The party said it believed the attack may be linked to Councillor Anne Bell's membership of the District Policing Partnership.

Mrs Bell said the car was set alight outside their home at Knockavoe Crescent in Strabane, County Tyrone.

She said the car was destroyed and her daughter was deeply distressed.

The incident was reported to police at about 2315 GMT on Tuesday.

The car was examined by forensic scientists on Wednesday.

Mrs Bell said she had no idea why the attack had taken place.

"I was out and when I came back the Fire Brigade was here," she said.

"There is no reason for them to do it. The car was my daughter's pride and joy - she is heartbroken and she couldn't even go to her work today.

"I don't know if it was targeted for me and I wasn't in.

"A neighbour down the street saw the flash. It could have been a lot worse - it was sitting right outside my front window."

'Big shock'

Mrs Bell said one of her daughters was on the computer at the time and her sister, who owns the car, was also in the house at the time.

"It was very deliberately done, but whether it was sectarian or not, we don't know.

"We have a very good neighbourhood and there is never any bother - this is the first trouble that I have ever had," said Mrs Bell.

Her daughter Violet said she could not understand why her car was destroyed.

"It is a big shock - that car is my pride and joy," she said.

"The only thing is that it could have been worse - the car was right outside the house and we could have been burnt of it hadn't have been for the neighbours."

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said attacks aimed at councillors in Strabane would not force the party to change its policies.

Mr Durkan said the people responsible were wasting their time.

SDLP Assembly member and Policing Board member Joe Byrne condemed the incident.

"This sort of intimidation has no part to play in the future.

"It certainly has no part to play in the debate about policing," said the West Tyrone MLA.

The government established 26 District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) earlier this month under the programme of change to policing in Northern Ireland recommended by Chris Patten, which saw the changeover from the predominantly Protestant Royal Ulster Constabulary to the PSNI in November 2001.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2887683.stm

Threats to DPPs have boosted SDLP support

THREATS by dissident republicans have boosted support for the SDLP, ex-Minister Carmel Hanna claimed yesterday.

"The appalling events of the last week where independent members of District Policing Partnerships were threatened have had one positive outcome," she said.

"The reaction within the broadly nationalist/Catholic community shows that the in-timidatory tactics of the bully boy are rejected by the vast majority of people.

"Within the broadly unionist community, there is a renewed recognition, respect and acknowledgement that the SDLP mean what they say and that we honour our commitments, however difficult that may be.

"The community has made up its own mind on Patten and the verdict of history will be that the SDLP got it right. Where the SDLP leads, others follow. The SDLP are on the right side of history in the policing debate."

Mrs Hanna said that if the election went ahead on Novermber 13. "other parties will find that the SDLP is no soft touch".

"We have fought our corner for 33 years, we have renewed and strengthened our organisation and we are ready," she said.

Meanwhile. SDLP deputy leader Brid Rodgers renewed the party's call to the Provisional IRA to make a statement that it is not involved in the intimidation campaign

against DPP members.

Her call came after a board member in Co Down became the third independent representative to quit.

Moya Bums stood down because she felt unable to continue in the role due to the current situation, even though she is not thought to have been threatened personally.

Catholic representatives in Strabane and Cookstown have also resigned, but most of those threatened or attacked have stood their ground.

Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McQuinness have hit out at the dissidents behind the intimidation and demanded they stop immediately.

But Mrs Rodgers said: "I know that in at least one area there's a strong suspicion that individual members of the IRA are involved.

"What would help cert airily is if the IRA was to make a clear statement saving they are not involved and that it's wrong."

Policing Board deputy chairman Denis Bradley has already defied a death threat from dissidents.

He told them that they were making a terrible mistake "by taking on the Irish people" and that they "could not win".

Irish Independent 19th September
PSNI steps up battle against intimidation


PSNI chief Hugh Orde last night pledged to track down republicans involved in a growing campaign of intimidation against Catholic members of policing boards.

He said steps were being taken to provide increased protection to Catholic members of the District Policing Partnerships (DPP).

His comments came after a meeting with an SDLP delegation to discuss the intimidation, and just hours after four men and a woman were arrested in Strabane, Co Tyrone by police investigating the threats issued in the past few days.

The five were arrested in connection with serious crime in the Strabane area. It is understood they are being questioned about dissident republican activity, including the recent intimidation campaign being waged at members of the DPP across the North.

Two people have already resigned from the posts since the intimidation started and several cars belonging to members have been attacked

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said he was satisfied police were taking steps to safeguard members of the policing partnership bodies.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr Orde, Mr Durkan said he could understand why some people were confused as to the position of both Sinn Fein and the IRA in relation to the recent incidents.

"People see the attacks being similar to patterns of attacks in the past by the IRA," he said.

But Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said it was part of efforts to "bully" Sinn Fein into joining the policing board but said his party's stance did not in any way excuse the recent attacks on Catholic members of the DPP.

Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness described the attacks as despicable and unjustifiable, but also criticised the SDLP's comments.

Louise McCall

http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1049315&issue_id=9814

Real IRA Steps Up DPP Terror Campaign

Sep 17 2003
http://icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news/local/content_objectid=13417527_method=full_siteid=91603_headline=-Real%2DIRA%2DSteps%2DUp%2DDPP%2DTerror%2DCampaign-name_page.html

By Ross Smith

TERRIFIED pupils were sent home from school yesterday after republican thugs torched the car of a teacher who sits on Strabane District Policing Board.

Dissidents destroyed Arthur McGarrigle's car outside Our Lady of Mercy High School in Strabane.

Two hooded men went on to the school grounds to burn the car and the blaze led teachers to evacuate 400 pupils from the building.

The attack came as Teresa Rooney, an independent member of Cookstown DPP, announced her resignation after a campaign of intimidation.

Police believe the threats to members of the Cookstown board have been orchestrated by mainstream republicans.

Mr McGarrigle, who has four children aged eight to 20, said he would review his personal security following the attack on his car.

"I'm very shocked and very, very angry that they would do this at a school,'' he said.

"People send their kids to school because they're safe. These people broke that trust and that angers me.

"If they disagree with me, they should come and debate with me. This is the 21st century but these people are Neanderthals. "There were lots of kids around. They all saw what happened and they were very badly traumatised.''

Mr McGarrigle said he will stay on the DPP at the moment due to his determination that everyone should have a say in policing.

"If we don't take this opportunity, we're back in the abyss again and I don't want to go back there,'' said the English teacher, who says he will be back in his classroom today.

School principal Anne McGarvey said: ''We have worked hard to settle the pupils back into the new school routine and their safety and education has been disrupted in a most unacceptable way.

"This cannot be condoned and we condemn these actions in the strongest terms.

"We work hard to provide an environment of care and education for pupils. No group has the right to disrupt the education of pupils, even for one day.

"Our staff and pupils have been seriously-upset by the events of today. The fright of the attack on the car, the trauma of an emergency evacuation of the school, the disruption of the pupils' normal routine, will have to be addressed.''

Lessons are due to continue as normal today, with a support team in the school from the Western Education and Library Board.

Strabane DPP chairman Tom McBride, who recently had a hoax bomb left at his house, said: ''People have been looking for this type of structure for many years and, now, when it has been set up and is beginning to operate, certain sections within the district want to intimidate members to ensure that this change does not happen. This is an attack on the future from people very much stuck in the past.''

Ms Rooney resigned after all nationalist members of Cookstown DPP were visited last Thursday by police who told them that they believed that the PIRA intended to intimidate them.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness claimed the threats were from dissidents.

The Cookstown DPP chairman, Cllr Patsy McGlone, said: ''I'm very disappointed that Teresa has been placed in the position where she's had to do this. She was a very, very valuable member.

"It will not detract from our commitment to peaceful, non-violent means and our commitment to seeing change happen.

"We're there to do a job - to hold the local police to account for their delivery of policing and resolution of crime and I'm determined to see that through.''

Northern Ireland Policing Board vice chairman Denis Bradley said: ''Once again, we are condemning the actions of a mindless few who have threatened those who have come forward to serve their community as any good, honest and decent citizen would.''

Last week, an independent nationalist resigned from Fermanagh DPP after a Real IRA threat.

r.smith@newsletter.co.uk

Attacks A Squalid Effort To Undermine Peace

Sep 17 2003

POLITICIANS have criticised terrorists for the intimidation of DPP members.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, Sinn Fein, said: ''Such acts of intimidation are completely unjustifiable.

"Those responsible, devoid of any support or coherent political strategy, are merely involved in squalid effort to undermine the peace process.''

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: ''Arthur McGarrigle's dedication to the well-being of the community in Strabane is well known.

"It is that commitment which motivated him to join the District Policing Partnership in the first place.

"In sharp contrast, the people who carried out this attack have no interest at all in the welfare of the people of Strabane.

"They had no concern for the safety of the children who had to be evacuated from school.

"They are motivated only by a hatred of those who are driving forward change and a self-interest that would clearly not be well served by effective community policing.''

Derek Hussey, UUP, West Tyrone, said: ''It is despicable that Cllr McBride, the independent member, their families, work colleagues, schoolchildren and many others should have to endure this type of harassment.

"I trust both Tom and the independent member will not be deterred from the vital role being undertaken by our local DPP within the entire policing context.''

Methodist President the Rev Jim Rea said: ''In a society were efforts are being made to establish a police service for whole community, this intimidation is a sinister attempt to rid the partnerships of members from the Roman Catholic community so that, ultimately, only the unionist community will be represented, allowing these sinister groups to claim a sectarian bias in police management.

"It is vital that members of the Catholic community serve on the partnerships and are given support.

"Their opponents offer this community absolutely nothing for the future but death and destruction.''

SF Standing In Way Of Police Reforms

Sep 17 2003

By Alan Erwin

REPUBLICANS were under new pressure yesterday to back Catholic recruitment to the PSNI.

Tom Constantine, who is monitoring changes to the force, claimed Sinn Fein was holding back a drive to achieve religious balance in the ranks.

The Oversight Commissioner also warned police chiefs that radical restructuring of Special Branch was now long overdue.

He also launched a scathing attack on delays over locating a new police training college.

But the message to Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness stood out in his latest assessment of progress towards meeting the Patten blueprint for overhauling the service.

Republicans refuse to back the policing arrangements because they claim reforms have not yet gone far enough.

Although Mr Constantine did not mention Sinn Fein by name, the reference was clear when he noted that not all political party leaders have endorsed the drive to boost Catholic officers.

"There are still some who are not actively supporting the efforts to improve Catholic representation in the police service," he said.

"Despite this lack of complete support, the recruiting programme has been a success.

"It could be even more successful in ensuring the long-term representation of Catholics if all of the leaders adhered to the guidance of the Independent Commission ( Patten).

"The importance of fulfilling this recommendation, in terms of building confidence in and support for the police service, cannot be overstated."

Mr Constantine has now examined 5,000 documents, held more than 500 meetings and visited over 100 police stations as he scrutinises the speed of change from the RUC.

"In the overall view, the institutions responsible for implementing the changes that are required are continuing to make excellent progress," he said.

But he could not defend ongoing delays in merging Special Branch with CID, despite recommendations from a number of outside agencies.

He insisted: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland should by now have been able to provide a detailed plan that addresses the issues which have been identified as areas in need of correction.

"For over three years there have been numerous reports about the serious and growing problem of organised crime, narcotics trafficking and extortion.

"These make the recommendations for amalgamating Special Branch and Crime Branch even more valid with each passing day.''

He also hit out at the continued failure to locate and begin work on a new police training college.

Constantine's Concerns

Other areas of concern identified in his report on progress up to May 15 included:

* tiny increases in Roman Catholic civilian PSNI employees (1.2 per cent) over four years despite staff numbers doubling

* failure by the police to provide documents to prove human rights training is given to all new recruits

* no evidence of a plan to show police stations will become less fortress-like, accessible to the public and safe and healthy for staff

* more need for powers to be decentralised to officers in charge of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units

* ongoing failure to decide if a viable alternative to plastic baton rounds exists.

'Fear' over joining police

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3151414.stm

An increasing number of Catholics are refusing to join the police in Northern Ireland because they fear attack, a survey for the Policing Board suggests.

Some new Catholic recruits have been the target of attack from dissident republican groups who are opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.

In recent weeks, several SDLP and independent members of the new district policing partnerships have also been threatened and attacked by dissident republicans.

The Policing Board's 2002-2003 report, published on Tuesday, states that 72% of Catholics questioned in a Community Attitudes survey cited fear of intimidation or attack as a reason not to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

That figure compares with 65% who voiced fears about intimidation a year earlier.

Although the Policing Board's annual report confirmed Catholic staffing levels in the mainly Protestant service rose from 8.9% to 11.7%, the survey results suggests why more people will not come forward.

The 2002-2003 report also demanded more action from the force to fight growing burglary and theft levels.

Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the board, said: "The clear message is they must do better."

Policing Board's annual report was published on Tuesday
Police chiefs earned praise, however, for areas where performance was up on last year.

Targets set for cutting the rate of increase in overall crime were easily met as the rise was slashed from 17% last year to just 2%.

Vehicle thefts also dropped by nearly 8% due to the work of the Police Service's Auto Crime Team.

Detection rates for violent crime rose from just over 13,000 to more than 15,500.

Drugs Squad officers were also successful, with police seizing £11.1m worth of narcotics compared with £6.5m a year earlier. Despite the successes, the number of people charged with drug offences fell slightly.

Amid sectarian rioting in Belfast and Londonderry 12 months ago, police also failed to secure the required public confidence.

Only 35% of people surveyed believed they had done a good job in policing public disorder when they had been set a target of not less than 51%.

Even though the board accepted the problems faced in controlling fighting factions, officers were told more was needed.

This has been a year of changes and challenges for policing in Northern Ireland
Professor Desmond Rea
Policing Board chairman

The report said: "The police must play their part and the board wants to see an improvement in the survey figures and believes that there is scope for this."

Overall, 61% of people surveyed thought police were doing a good job, against a 70% target.

Demands on police resources from dissident terrorist threat continued to prove a drain on police resources.

A total of 15 people died during 2002/03 due to the security situation.

Paramilitary assaults were also up slightly to 309 and nearly 100 people were charged with terrorist offences compared to 62 the year before.

The number of bombings fell, however, from 318 to 178.

Professor Rea said: "This has been a year of changes and challenges for policing in Northern Ireland.

"Whilst the police have had some successes in meeting the performance targets set for them, the clear message from the board is that they must do better."

Stressing there had been some encouraging results, he added: "The board recognises that policing here is not yet normal.

"The police have to deal with factors which do not contribute to the delivery of normal policing and these must be taken into account when assessing this year's performance."

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues facing policing and holds the chief constable and his senior officers to account.

Former Assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose headquarters are in Belfast.

Sinn Fein has boycotted the new structures, insisting the government's policing reforms need to go further if they are ever going to participate.

Wednesday, 25 September, 2002, 08:32 GMT 09:32 UK
Police recruits issued with guns

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2279199.stm

Some student officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been issued with personal protection weapons because of an increased paramilitary threat.

The move comes after the former acting police chief Colin Cramphorn, said the threat against student officers had "risen significantly".

He made the comments in a letter to the chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, a few weeks ago.

The BBC has obtained a copy of that letter which was also sent to Security Minister Jane Kennedy.

Mr Cramphorn said in the light of "recent incidents" a threat assessment had been undertaken.

Colin Cramphorn: "Threat against student officers has risen significantly"

A decision was then made to elevate the threat against the student officers to that of a "general threat" status.

He added: "This will in effect mean that student officers will have access to personal protection weapons if requested."

He said the necessary training was being made available.

"While I appreciate this is not in the spirit of 'Patten' it is entirely necessary due to the present security environment," he said.

"Human rights legislation means that the threat to the lives of student officers must outweigh any other consideration and consequently necessitates this course of action."

'Fast-tracked'

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that the personal protection weapons had been issued.

Its senior director of resources, Joe Stewart, said applications for weapons were being fast-tracked.

SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood said 39 recruits had expressed concern.

"There is a responsibility to ease that threat and give those under threat better protection," he said.

Alex Attwood: Recruits need protection
"This is the minimum we should be doing and the minimum that people in Northern Ireland will recognise should be done in order to give those who are brave the opportunity to do what they want to do, namely police our society."

Mr Attwood insisted none of the trainees he had spoken to was considering leaving.

DUP Policing Board member Ian Paisley Jnr said the increase in the terrorist threat was something everyone should be concerned about.

"We've got to recognise that real security measures must be put in place to tackle terrorism," he said.

In April, dissident republican paramilitaries were behind a bomb attack at the police training college at Garnerville in east Belfast.

Several weeks later there was an attempt to kill a young Catholic officer in Ballymena, County Antrim.

A new recruitment campaign for the police service is currently under way.

The figures will be studied to see what impact, if any, the increased terror threat has on responses from the Catholic community.

Wednesday, 17 April, 2002, 06:56 GMT 07:56 UK
Blast at police training college

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1934283.stm
Back gates of police college were damaged
There has been an explosion at the police training college in Belfast.

The police said first indications pointed to dissident republicans, but that it was still too early to be conclusive.

A police patrol was investigating reports of suspicious activity outside Garnerville College when they discovered a suspect parcel at about 2300 BST on Tuesday.

Army bomb experts were called in and about 100 people within the college were evacuated, along with the residents of several surrounding homes.
McQuillan condemned the attack

The device exploded just after midnight while it was being examined, a police spokesman said.

There are no reports of any injuries but the back gates of the college, where the device was found, were damaged.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan said: "This is not an attack on the police service but an attack on all the people in Northern Ireland who want to move forwards."

A search of the surrounding area was continuing on Wednesday morning.

Many people were put of their homes for several hours and they are enraged at the explosion

Jim Rodgers
Belfast lord mayor

A graduation ceremony for the first recruits to the new Police Service of Northern Ireland was held at the college earlier this month.

East Belfast MP Peter Robinson, of the Democratic Unionist Party, blamed republicans for the bombing.

"It has all the resonances of the Provisional IRA behaviour prior to their ceasefire," he said.

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers, who represents the area as councillor, said he was horrified at the attack.

"Many people were put of their homes for several hours and they are enraged at the explosion," he said.

"At this stage, I am not prepared to say who I believe are responsible."

No injuries

SDLP chairman Alex Attwood, a member of the Policing Board, said the attack underlined the need for vigilance.

"This is a terrible attack - I condemn the threat to both the PSNI and the public," he said.

"I am grateful that there appear to be no injuries."

He added: "This attack has been carried out by those who have no understanding as to where our politics and our community have moved."

Bomb attack on police graduate

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2032189.stm
Army bomb experts examined the area
A Catholic recruit to the new Police Service of Northern Ireland has escaped injury in a car bomb attack in County Antrim.

The incident happened in the Dunclug Park area of the town at 1440 BST on Friday.

The under-car booby trap device exploded as the young officer was getting into his car. It is thought only the detonator exploded.

The police officer - one of the first batch of recruits to the new police service who recently graduated - is recovering from shock.
Bob Foster: Officer was serving community

Detectives have not yet said who they believe was behind the attack.

The area was cordoned off after the explosion and Army bomb experts were called to the scene.

A police service spokesman said the officer was off duty at the time.

Chief Superintendent Bob Foster said children playing in the area at the time could have been killed or seriously injured by the explosion.

"I cannot say at this stage from which source it came but it certainly was the attempted murder of this young student police officer," he said.

"What he was doing, unlike the people who carried this out, was trying to serve the community and to make it a better place to live.

"It has now been established that what went off was part of a bigger device that did not explode."

Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne condemned the attack, but said it was not yet clear who was responsible.

'Worrying development'

A DUP assembly member for the area said he was alarmed at the incident.

"Obviously we need to establish what exactly happened but this is a very worrying development," said Ian Paisley junior, who is a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

"I think it was very deliberate attempt to drive a wedge through the community."

James Leslie: Relieved no one was killed
Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said he believed it was significant that the officer was a Catholic.

"This is a very concerning situation here and while the full details is not clear, it is an attack on a young Catholic police officer.

"This was a real and serious attack and I thank God life was not lost."

Ulster Unionist assembly member James Leslie said he was "shocked and extremely relieved" there were no deaths or serious injuries.

"It would appear from the nature of the device it was intended to kill.

"The conclusion one starts to reach is was this designed to intimidate Catholics from joining the police and if that is the case, it is a very serious development indeed."

Friday, 21 December, 2001, 09:37 GMT
'No regrets as a Catholic in the RUC'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1634688.stm
With the renamed Police Service of Northern Ireland addressing its imbalance of Protestant officers, Chief Superintendent Brian McCargo reflects on his three decades as a Catholic in the RUC.

I have absolutely, positively no regrets about joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

I always grew up wanting to be a police officer. I didn't want to be a police officer in England or in the Republic of Ireland - I wanted to be a police officer in my own country and in my own community.

"Nationalist politicians encouraged people like me to join."
I came from Ardoyne, a very strong nationalist area - what many would now refer to as a republican area. It's the very place where the dispute is going on over the Holy Cross Girls' School.

My family was fairly nationalistic in outlook. So unlike Protestant lads, I never grew up in an environment where I was encouraged to realise my ambition.

But in 1969, following the disbandment of the so-called B Specials [a police auxiliary distrusted by the Catholic community] Catholic clergy and nationalist politicians were trying to encourage people like me to join the RUC.

Banned from football

I was one of the first two officers to enter the RUC reserve as a part-time officer. Not only was I reared in a nationalist area, but I was heavily involved in the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). I played Gaelic football for Ardoyne and for my county, Antrim. I was a well known sportsman.

As a result of going into the reserve I was told to leave the GAA [under the controversial Rule 21 which excludes police and military personnel].

"The day I started my training was Bloody Sunday."

I was also discouraged from living in the area by the paramilitaries. Had I persisted in living there, the chances are I'd have been shot dead. That's how difficult it was.

In 1972, I went into the regular force. The day I started my training was Bloody Sunday - the day many nationalist people were killed in Derry City.

No second thoughts

You can imagine the emotions that accompanied me when I went in, but never did I think: 'Why did I join the RUC?'

I've been lucky. The RUC as an organisation and the colleagues I've worked with have always been very supportive.

If I had to think of one thing that troubled me, it's that there was always a tremendous threat against my family.

"The risks faced by Catholic officers were always that much greater."
My wife and I have raised our family as practising Catholics. We had to ensure our children attended church and went to Catholic schools and that was difficult, very difficult.

When my eldest daughter went to grammar school on the Falls Road [a predominantly nationalist area], I was virtually precluded from going there such was the threat to me and her.

Recently a Protestant colleague said: 'With all the risks the rest of us had to face, no recognition has been given to the fact that the risks faced by Catholic officers and their families were always that much greater.'

Prime target

It's true that if you get points for killing a police officer, you get double points for killing a Catholic police officer.

Nor did Protestant officers have to make the hard decisions we made when we joined the force. It came naturally to them. When I entered the RUC I had to make up my mind to make a career of it and do my absolute best.

"The RUC has changed its name. We regret it and have shed tears."
I was awarded the top recruit award in 1972 and now I'm deputy assistant chief constable for the greater Belfast region. I worked very hard and you'll find that with so many Catholic officers.

A disproportionate number of Catholic officers occupy top jobs in the service - which goes to show the quality of those who came forward.

We may have only been 9% or 10% of the RUC, but forget the percentages, that's 1,400 officers - that's bigger than the entire strength of some other forces.

The RUC has changed its name, which 99.9% of officers didn't want to see happen. We regret it and have shed tears. We are proud members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, but we will see the changes through since it is the will of the people.

Happy Ardoyne memories

I've never forgotten my Ardoyne roots and I'd like to see the day when I can put something back into the area I hailed from and from where I have many happy memories.

"I've never forgotten my Ardoyne roots."
Already more people are coming to talk to me and I'm going to talk to them. I look forward to going back to the area again.

I respect people for what they are, irrespective of where they come from, and expect them to take me for what I am.

I'm Brian McCargo. I'm a good, honest, professional police officer.

DPP meeting 'banned'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3206937.stm

A County Londonderry community association has banned a district policing partnership from using its hall for a meeting next month.

The management committee of Dungiven Community Association has told Limavady DPP that the meeting, in two weeks' time, would pose a safety risk to staff and the public.

Sinn Fein have supported the move but unionists claim the decision is sectarian.

SDLP councillor Dessie Lowry, who is the policing partnership's vice-chairman, said he was disappointed at what had happened but said the meeting would have come at a sensitive time.

He urged the community association to think again.

"There is legislation in place to try and stop the discrimination of bodies given access to buildings," he said.

Dungiven being the place that it is, it is 99% Catholic probably, and I don't think the town is appropriate for the meeting
Martin McGuigan
Sinn Fein councillor

"We would urge the community association, when it comes to reviewing the decision, to review it in context of the wider public interest."

Cathal Hassan, one of the directors of Dungiven community hall, said it was open for use by all but added that he was worried about the safety implications of holding the meeting there.

"Our major concern was for the safety of our staff," he said.

"If any such DPP meeting was held locally there's a chance that there would be a picket and whatever may develop out of that."

Sinn Fein Limavady councillor Martin McGuigan said the meeting was not welcome in Dungiven.

"The calls coming into our local office are from people who are not happy about it. Dungiven being the place that it is, it is 99% Catholic probably, and I don't think the town is appropriate for the meeting.

"Having said that, I think there should be another venue somewhere more neutral than Dungiven."

We should remember that the DPPs are made up of members of the public and we should remember that they are there to help the people of Dungiven
Edwin Stevenson
Ulster Unionist councillor

The only unionist member of the management committee at the hall was not present when the decision was taken.

United Unionist Boyd Douglas said he was aware that few unionists used the hall but said it was a public facility provided by the council that should be made available to the public.

Democratic Unionist councillor Leslie Cubitt said it was a sectarian decision.

"I was very very upset about it because we as a council give money to Dungiven community hall and all their literature coming in says they are cross community," he said.

"I will be asking the auditor when he comes here next month to have a look at this."

Ulster Unionist councillor Edwin Stevenson said it was a politically motivated decision which was denying the people of Dungiven a valuable service.

"If it was only electioneering I wouldn't worry about it but I would say it is more more likely getting back to the old days of Sinn Fein being involved in an anti-police campaign.

"We should remember that the DPPs are made up of members of the public and we should remember that they are there to help the people of Dungiven."

Resignations

Three members have already resigned from policing partnerships across the province following a campaign of intimidation by dissident republicans.

District policing partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and implemented by the government.

District policing partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues facing policing and holds the chief constable and his senior officers to account.

Former assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose headquarters are in Belfast.

Sinn Fein has boycotted the new structures, insisting the government's policing reforms need to go further if they are ever going to participate.

Priests condemn policing threats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3125554.stm

Denis Bradley is one of those who have been threatened

A group of priests in Londonderry has issued a statement condemning a death threat against the vice chairman of the Policing Board, Denis Bradley.

The 17 priests say arson and intimidation directed against Catholic members of district policing partnerships are "outrageous" and described the threats against Mr Bradley as "unspeakably barbaric".

The priests' statement follows the resignation of another member of the policing partnerships.

Moya Burns, an independent member of Down district policing partnership, stood down on Friday.

It is believed she felt unable to continue in the role because of the current situation although she is not thought to have been personally threatened.

The vice chairman of the Down partnership, Eamon O'Neill, said the campaign of intimidation against nationalist members would not succeed.

Brid Rodgers called for an IRA statement on the issue

"I don't think it will succeed because I think people will gather strength again," said Mr O'Neill.

Ms Burns resignation is the third from partnerships across the province in the past week following a series of attacks and threats to Catholic members.

The chief constable, Huge Orde, has said the main threat was from dissident republicans, but police had intelligence that mainstream republicans were involved at a lower level.

Meanwhile, the IRA has been urged to make a statement saying it is not involved in the threats.

SDLP deputy leader Brid Rodgers said those who received the threats had been confused and frightened and urged the IRA to clarify its position.

Intimidation

"I don't know, I can't say, but what would help certainly is if the IRA were to make a clear statement saying that they're not involved and that it's wrong," she said.

"That would certainly be very useful."

On Saturday, Sinn Fein released a statement saying the attacks on members of the district policing partnerships were wrong and should stop.

The party has called for those behind them to disband.

Hugh Orde said mainstream republicans were involved

District policing partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and implemented by the government.

Teresa Rooney, a member of Cookstown DPP, stood down on Tuesday and last week an independent nationalist in Fermanagh resigned following a threat from the Real IRA.

Other attacks have included an attack on a car belonging to a DPP member in Strabane and a hoax bomb outside the home of a DPP chairman in Tyrone.

District policing partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues facing policing and holds PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and his senior officers to account.

Former assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose headquarters are in Belfast.

SDLP 'committed to police body'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3145338.stm


The nationalist SDLP has said its members are determined to press ahead with their involvement in District Policing Partnerships despite recent threats.

Several SDLP and independent members of DPPs have been threatened and attacked by dissident republicans across Northern Ireland in recent weeks.

Three people have resigned.

Speaking after a party meeting in Belfast on Saturday to discuss the threats, Justice spokesman Alex Attwood said they would not be deflected from their work.

He said the party had been working out the agenda for DPPs for the forthcoming six months.

He said the proposals would mean "local policing will be quicker, more effective and more responsive about getting more officers on the ground".

Mr Attwood said there would be "more civilians in police stations, more people recruited into the community reserve, and more initiatives to deliver what we have never enjoyed in the past - a representative, effective local police service".

The party's plans include:

* More civilian staff employed in local police stations to free up more officers for the beat
* Full-time crime units dedicated to tackling "profile crime" including car crime and attacks on the elderly
* Recruitment of 1,500 community police officers throughout Northern Ireland - of which 1,100 would be Catholic
* The targeting of organised crime gangs
* DPPs challenging PSNI management to further reduce staff sickness levels in each command area
* DPP/police strategies for dealing with drug use, underage drinking and enforcement of drinking laws and hours

District policing partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and implemented by the government.

District policing partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues facing policing and holds the chief constable and his senior officers to account.

Former Assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose headquarters are in Belfast.

Sinn Fein has boycotted the new structures, insisting the government's policing reforms need to go further if they are ever going to participate.

Call to IRA over policing threats
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3124334.stm


Brid Rodgers: Made a call to the IRA

The IRA has been urged to make a statement saying it is not involved in a recent campaign of intimidation against Catholics on district policing partnerships.

A series of attacks and threats to members of policing partnerships across Northern Ireland have resulted in three members resigning.

The latest resignation came on Friday night when Moya Burns, an independent member of Down district policing partnership, quit.

It is believed she felt unable to continue in the role because of the current situation although she is not thought to have been personally threatened.

The vice chairman of Down district policing partnership said the campaign of intimidation against nationalist members would not succeed.

What would help certainly is if the IRA were to make a clear statement saying that they're not involved and that it's wrong
Brid Rodgers
SDLP deputy leader

"I don't think it will succeed because I think people will gather strength again," said Eamon O'Neill.

"I think this great policing experiment is too strong and I honestly believe this great experiment will succeed."

The chief constable, Huge Orde, has said the main threat was from dissident republicans, but police had intelligence that mainstream republicans were involved at a lower level.

SDLP deputy leader Brid Rodgers said those who received the threats had been confused and frightened and urged the IRA to clarify its position.

"I know that in at least one area, there is a strong suspicion that individual members of the IRA are involved," she told BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme on Saturday.

Disband

"I don't know, I can't say, but what would help certainly is if the IRA were to make a clear statement saying that they're not involved and that it's wrong. That would certainly be very useful."

On Saturday, Sinn Fein released a statement saying the attacks on members of the district policing partnerships were wrong and should stop.

The party has called for those behind them to disband.

Hugh Orde said mainstream republicans were involved

District policing partnerships were set up across Northern Ireland under reforms initiated by a commission headed by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and implemented by the government.

On Wednesday, the Policing Board confirmed that its vice chairman Denis Bradley had received a threat.

The attacks on partnership members included an arson attack which destroyed a car at the home of Londonderry district policing group member Marian Quinn.

Mrs Quinn said the police warned her on Tuesday night that they had received a threat from the Real IRA that all Catholic members of the DPP throughout Northern Ireland were what they called "legitimate targets".

Teresa Rooney, a member of Cookstown DPP, stood down on Tuesday and last week an independent nationalist in Fermanagh resigned following a threat from the Real IRA.

Other attacks have included an attack on a car belonging to a DPP member in Strabane and a hoax bomb outside the home of a DPP chairman in Tyrone.

District policing partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board handles some of the most sensitive issues facing policing and holds PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and his senior officers to account.

Former assembly members and independent nominees serve on the board whose headquarters are in Belfast.

Policing body threats continue
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3112494.stm

Tom Constantine is overseeing policing reforms
Another independent member of a district policing partnership has resigned because of intimidation.

Teresa Rooney, a member of Cookstown DPP, took the decision on Tuesday.

And a car belonging to a member of the district policing partnership in Strabane has been set on fire.

News of the incidents came as Policing Oversight Commissioner Tom Constantine said that threats from dissident republicans to kill community policing board members were the biggest test yet for the new arrangements.

The car, which was set alight in Strabane, belonged to teacher Arthur McGarrigle.

Some people, whether their reasons are political or criminal, want to destroy the Patten reforms, this is their small minded way of achieving that
Tom Constantine
Policing Oversight Commissioner

It was parked outside Our Lady of Mercy High School in Barrack Street.

The Fire Brigade dealt with one device attached to the vehicle.

However, army bomb experts have been called in to investigate a possible second device.

The school has been evacuated.

Mr McGarrigle said he believed he was targeted because of his position on the district policing partnership.

He said he would review his personal security.

Last week an independent nationalist in Fermanagh resigned following a threat from the Real IRA.

Dissident republicans also left a hoax bomb outside the home of a DPP chairman in Tyrone.

What we are faced with here is fascism
Patsy McGlone
Cookstown DPP chairman
Patsy McGlone, chairman of the DPP in Cookstown, said all the nationalist members of that partnership were contacted by police last week.

He said police intelligence was that mainstream republicans, aligned to the Provisional IRA, intended to intimidate them.

Mr McGlone said Mrs Rooney was a dedicated person to her own family and to the community.

"Whenever you have a threat of this type delivered to you, you have to take it seriously.

"It is very sad that intimidation and menaces of this type are impacting upon that valuable work."

"What we are faced with here is fascism," he said.

'Combat this threat'

Mr Constantine urged political leaders and clergymen to intensify efforts to combat the threat.

He was speaking as his latest report monitoring changes in policing was published on Tuesday.

"This is the first time I have been here that I have seen a fully fledged intent to destroy the Patten (police reform) plan," he said.

"The intimidation of citizens' groups trying to work with police has a chilling effect on the entire neighbourhood and community."

"Some people, whether their reasons are political or criminal, want to destroy the Patten reforms.

"This is their small-minded way of achieving that. Usually these people are thugs and predators and are not successful.

"I know this won't work, because I have met a number of people serving on the DPPs and I don't see people who are intimidated. I see determined and courageous people."

'Message' to republicans

The commissioner added: "I think this will pass, but it's important for everybody with a position of authority, whether clergymen, business leaders or political leaders, to recognise the intention is to des