MAJOR CONFERENCE ON 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Over 160 delegates are attending a major two-day conference (3/4 November) organised by the Policing Board and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University as part of a series of events to mark the 25-year anniversary of the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.
The Foundations and Future: Policing 2026 and Beyond Conference will consider progress made over the last 25 years, with a strong emphasis on the future challenges – what does policing need to be thinking about now to be ready for the next 25 years?
Looking forward to conference discussions, Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan said:
“Patten’s enduring principles provide the stability and legitimacy on which the Board and the PSNI were established, while openness to new ideas, new developments and approaches will help shape our thinking going forward.
“We know that new demands, changing crime and demographics along with ever evolving technology will inevitably bring change for us all. This conference provides a valuable forum for thoughtful discussion, shared learning and constructive challenge so that we can explore how policing and policing oversight can continue to strengthen public confidence and support better outcomes for the communities.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said:
“Since 2001, our officers and staff in the PSNI have worked tirelessly to keep people safe, protect the vulnerable and build confidence in policing across Northern Ireland. Their commitment, often in very difficult and demanding circumstances, has shaped the Service we are today.
“The 25-year journey has not been without challenge. Policing Northern Ireland has continued to evolve alongside the society we serve, responding to changing expectations, new forms of crime and the ever-growing complexity of the threats facing our communities. Throughout that journey which is building on the foundations laid by our colleagues in the RUC George Cross, the dedication and professionalism of our police officers and police staff has remained at the heart of everything we do.
“This significant anniversary is therefore both a moment to look back with great pride and an opportunity to look forward with purpose. The challenges ahead will require us to remain adaptable, innovative and open to new ways of working, while never losing sight of the fundamental principles of policing by consent, fairness and respect.”
Bringing together representatives from academia, leaders within policing, policing oversight and the wider criminal justice system along with practitioners and stakeholders from Northern Ireland and beyond, the conference creates time for reflection and discussion on the current and future expectations for policing and policing oversight
Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said:
“We are delighted to partner with colleagues at Ulster University, the PSNI and the Policing Board for Northern Ireland to deliver the Foundations and Future conference marking 25 years since police reform in Northern Ireland.
“Conferences such as this create valuable opportunities for academics, practitioners, policymakers and communities to learn from one another. Whether this is understanding the social factors that can aid crime prevention and improved rehabilitation outcomes or addressing emerging challenges such as technological change, universities can help shape evidence-based approaches that support safer communities.”
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, said:
“As we join with the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark 25 years of the policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to welcome delegates to our Belfast campus for this important event.
“Ulster University greatly values its longstanding partnership with policing in Northern Ireland, which spans more than 50 years and is one of the longest-running police-university collaborations across the UK and Ireland. Through education, research and professional development, we work together to support effective policing, inform policy and practice, and help prepare future generations of officers and public service leaders.
“This conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past quarter century and to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead. We look forward to the discussions that will support the continued development of policing in the years to come.”
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Notes to Editors
Day 1 at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast looks at reflections, expectations and the future challenges of a changing and increasingly complex crime landscape. Day 2 at Ulster University’s Belfast campus carries that conversation forward with discussion on accountability, representativeness and engaged communities. The full conference programme and speakers can be viewed here: Foundations and Future Conference - Livestream - NI Policing Board
Media Contact Details
Northern Ireland Policing Board: RSVP@nipolicingboard.org.uk
Police Service of Northern Ireland: CorporateComms-PressOffice@psni.police.uk
Queen’s University Belfast: comms.office@qub.ac.uk
Ulster University: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk
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