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Problem Solving Seminar
Workshop 1
Tackling Alcohol Related Assaults
Julie McNerlin & Samantha Allen, Foyle Basic Command Unit (BCU), Northern Ireland
Key points from the presentation
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The presentation looked at the approach taken by Foyle BCU to tackle the problem of assaults in the centre of Derry City.
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The Foyle District Command Unit identified that there was a problem with assaults in the area - an annual figure of 1948 assaults in the district, half of which occurred in the city centre.
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The problem analysis began with looking at 5Ws and an H:
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What was the problem?
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When did it happen?
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Who were the perpetrators and victims?
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Why did it happen?
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Where did it take place?
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How did it happen?
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A strategy was produced, which included objectives on reducing city centre assaults by more than 8%; developing a multi-partnership approach; and, improving police crime recording data.
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The political background in Foyle DCU was important to consider – it created increased tensions and inter-community violence; regular high profile policing was difficult; and, developing partnerships in a sectarian context was challenging. Other barriers included engaging the local hospital and the use of police logos.
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Much success was achieved in developing partnerships to tackle different aspects of the problem e.g. with transport providers to improve clearance of the city centre after night-time socialising. Other partners included bar-owners, local council, the university.
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Initiatives launched to tackle the problem included: improved public transport at night; the "Wise Up" awareness campaign; high visibility police presence in yellow jackets; video patrols.
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The strategy has helped to "normalise" policing in this politically troubled area. Other successes include the development of partnerships, use of Video Identification Unit and improvements in CCTV quality and use.
Key points from the discussion
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Delegates discussed the logistics of the operation and how the police ensured the full cooperation of the other partners, particularly the licensees who had a major part to play.
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The differences between the Northern Ireland and the mainland approach in political terms were explored as police are not always seen as supportive partners. They could not fully engage in wider aspects of the project such as talking to young people about alcohol use.
Download PowerPoint presentation: Tackling Alcohol Related Assaults (330 Kb)
Last update: 04 May 2004