Further powers from Justice Act

PCSPs integrate the role of the former District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) and Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and aim to make our community safer.

The Minister also commenced enabling powers to recover costs from legally aided defendants who are convicted in the Crown Court and can clearly afford to pay for their own representation.

Mr Ford said: “The Justice Act, which I took through the Assembly last year, contained provisions that were designed to make the justice system more effective and efficient and to build a fair, just and safer community for all the people of Northern Ireland.

“The measures I am now bringing into operation will make communities safer and will reduce further spending on Legal Aid costs in Northern Ireland.”

Commenting on the creation of PCSPs, Justice Minister Ford said: “The new Policing and Community Safety Partnerships represent a fresh and innovative approach to addressing the issue of community safety, aiming to further enhance community confidence in policing and reduce crime and the fear of crime.

“PCSPs will engage with local communities to identify issues of concern, and work with those communities to deliver initiatives throughout Northern Ireland that tackle the issues that matter most in local neighbourhoods.