Attending the public session of the Policing Board
One of the main ways you can find out more about the work of the Policing Board is to attend the meetings of the Policing Board held in public to hear the Chief Constable present his report and answer questions from Policing Board Members.
Questions to the Chief Constable may arise from the business of Policing Board Committees and from Policing Board Members. The procedure for raising questions with the Chief Constable are set out in the Policing Board’s Standing Orders (SO 9).
There is a requirement for questions to be submitted by Members to the Chief Executive of the Policing Board at least seven days in advance of the meeting. The Policing Board decides whether a question is to be put in the private session or at the Policing Board meeting in public, or whether a question will be dealt with by way of written answer.
The public session of the Policing Board's meeting is held at our Belfast Headquarters, Waterside Tower, in Clarendon Dock.
Members also receive presentations regarding the different aspects to police work from police officers of all ranks.
All meetings of the Policing Board in public are advertised in advance of the meeting. We place public advertisements in at least the three daily Northern Ireland newspapers.
At present we use:
- Belfast Telegraph
- News Letter
- Irish News
- Derry Journal
Where appropriate, we will consider what other measures are necessary to make sure that relevant information reaches all members of the community, including young people and people with disabilities. This will include publication in targeted publications accessed by minority groups. Arrangements will be carried out in line with the principals set out in part six of the Policing Board’s Equality Scheme.
We will provide a space for anyone with a disability requiring assistance on request. Please call us on 028 9040 8500 if you need assistance.
Documents may also be made available upon request in alternative formats or languages. Requests for alternative formats should be made to the Policing Board.
Rights of admission to this meeting are reserved and you should bear in mind that the media, including photographers and television cameras, attend the meetings. Please remember that:
- You are here to observe the proceedings – and not to take part
- Silence must be observed
- Mobile phones should be turned off
- Except for members of the media, electrical or camera equipment is not permitted
- Briefcases or large bags are not permitted
- No food or drink should be consumed on the premises
- Instructions from ushers and other Policing Board members or staff must be followed at all times
- The meeting is under the control of the Chairman who may ask you to leave if he deems your behaviour to be unacceptable
- If you do not want to be included in photography or appear on camera, please alert a member of Policing Board staff.
These rules apply to all persons in the public area.
