Justice Minister addresses Police Federation Conference

Date published: 8 June 2016

The theme of the conference was ‘Police Officer Well-being’ with a particular focus on their recent ‘#WeAreYou’ campaign. Minister Sugden welcomed the Police Federation’s work in encouraging support for police officers in the community through the campaign.

She said: “The Federation’s #WeAreYou campaign highlights the challenges that police officers face in their day to day jobs. It reinforces that there is much more to the person in uniform – whether they are attending a road traffic collision or holding the line in a public order situation.

“The importance of community support and understanding of the role of officers, who are often the first responders to victims of crime, cannot be underestimated. It is in all our interests to ensure that we work with the community in Northern Ireland to develop that understanding further.”

The Minister continued: “The draft Programme for Government gives a commitment to have a safe community where we respect the law, and each other.

“My Department will take the lead in striving for this outcome; however, everyone in society has a part to play in achieving it. Collaborative working between departments and the voluntary, community and private sectors will be essential if we are to succeed in reducing crime, increasing the effectiveness of the justice system and reducing offending.”

Minister Sugden concluded: “I look forward to fostering good relationships with the Federation and the wider policing family as we work together towards achieving our shared goals.”