Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited PSNI Public Protection Branch in Belfast and heard how the team works with a range of agencies to protect the public from harm.
Minister Long said: “PSNI Public Protection Branch responds to very serious offences - including violent and sexual offences, and domestic abuse - that can have a traumatic and long lasting impact on their victims. These cases are often complex and challenging. I commend the dedication and determination of PSNI in bringing offenders to justice and ensuring that victims of these crimes are supported and protected.
“Public Protection Branch also works with a number of partners to ensure that offenders are managed safely in the community under the Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland (PPANI). This is a collaborative approach to keeping the public safe and I am grateful for the PSNI’s work and involvement.
“Public protection is a dynamic issue and we must always be alive to new and emerging risks. I heard today about the work of the Child Internet Protection Team and I commend police efforts to ensure that young people are free from abuse and exploitation online. My Department will continue to support PSNI as it focusses on safeguarding the public from harm.”
The Minister also met with public protection representatives of An Garda Síochána during her visit.
Notes to editors:
1. Photo caption- Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured with D/Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, from An Garda Síochána’s National Protective Services Bureau (left) and Detective Chief Superintendent, Anthony McNally PSNI (right).
2. Public Protection Branch (PPB) was formed in April 2015 and is responsible for proactive and reactive, serious and complex crime investigations in relation to some of the most vulnerable victims in Northern Ireland. Areas of business include:
• Adult safeguarding
• Child abuse including sexual abuse and exploitation both in the community and online (Child Internet Protection Team)
• Domestic abuse
• Rape crime
• The management of sexual and violent offenders
3. PSNI is a partner in the Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland, which were set up in 2008 to manage serious and violent offenders. Further details can be found at: PPANI | Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland (publicprotectionni.com)
4. For media enquiries contact the Department of Justice Press Office via Email
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.