The threat posed by dissident republicans is affecting the police's ability to tackle everyday crime, according to the PSNI Assistant Chief Constable.
ACC Judith Gillespie made the comment during a visit to the city on Wednesday when she met community groups in a number of areas of the city.
She visited the Rosemount Resource Centre where she met a group of senior citizens and listened to their
concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area and how the police are dealing with it.
The senior PSNI officer said combating terrorism takes officers away from their normal duties.
"It is a real concern but we have to put it in proportion. It is one element of our work but it does take up time and resources which could be better directed elsewhere. We do have to be careful in the face of the threat but it will not deflect us from putting officers on the ground where they are needed," she said.
ACC Gillespie also said engaging with local communities was crucial in delivering a better policing service.
"It is important because the more contact we have with communities the more we will understand the needs of people and help us address those needs.
'Better picture'"Surveys are one thing but actually going out and sitting and talking with people about the situation in their areas gives us a far better picture of what is happening and what we need need to be doing," she said.
