§ Mr. ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he proposes to take to halt the rising crime rate in the Province. [159867]
§ Mr. IngramThe Royal Ulster Constabulary, encouraged and supported by the Government, has taken a number of strategic and tactical steps to address the occurrence of crime across the Province.
The recent restructuring of the RUC and the establishment of District Command Units has devolved greater autonomy to local commanders in the use of their resources to tackle 'volume crimes' such as burglary, assaults and criminal damage. They are supported in their efforts by the introduction of the National Intelligence Model throughout the Province. The on-going training and provision of police analysts to highlight problem crimes and problem areas will further assist the maximum effective use of resources through 'directed patrolling'. This information led approach is underpinned by the RUC's community policing model which will ensure that local officers and local partnerships work together in 'sectors' to more readily address local crimes and anti-social behaviour.
At a strategic level the Royal Ulster Constabulary and its partner agencies, including the Government, are working within the Organised Crime Task Force in furtherance of the drive against organised criminal gangs. The Government remain committed to ensuring that law enforcement agencies and other partners within the criminal justice system have the necessary legislative powers to be fully effective against criminals at all levels. The Criminal Justice Review has been completed and work is continuing on the Criminal Justice Bill and implementation plan.