DPP chair stands firm in face of resignation call
The chair of Limavady's District Policing Partnership has rejected criticism from unionists after she accused the police of using "bully boy tactics". She said calls for her resignation were none of their business.
The Sinn Fin councillor accused police of employing "increasingly aggressive" tactics in Limavady town centre, especially at the weekends. The PSNI defended their actions, saying they made no apologies for "robustly dealing with anyone who gets involved in fights, public disorder, urinating in the streets or causing a disturbance".
Unionist councillors, including Boyd Douglas, are demanding Colr. Chivers resign as DPP chairperson and member.
Colr. Douglas said: "I am not surprised by the comments from Brenda Chivers as it is quite clear Sinn Fin have misled the large number of people in Northern Ireland by leading them to believe they are supporting the PSNI. We are living in dark times with senior citizens being robbed and beaten in their homes nightly. We have drunkards on our street and terrorists are active. Many are asking for higher police presence and not criticising the PSNI."
Colr. Chivers said no party on the Limavady DPP "has done more or taken more risks in supporting the police both politically from our own supporters and indeed personally".
"The Sinn Fin DPP team stood up without fear to support the PSNI in the face of some very unpleasant abuse from protesters at Dungiven Sports Pavilion a few weeks ago. I chaired that meeting and, in support of the police, refused to be intimated and did not abandon the meeting," she said.
"I have publicly praised the PSNI when they have done a good job, such as their excellent community work in Drumsurn and Magilligan, the flags forum, and road safety initiatives, to name just a few.
"However when so many complaints are received from the public it is the duty of the DPP to hold the police to account and demand answers. I have handled this matter through the proper channels but when answers are not forthcoming Sinn Fin will never let the matter drop."
She said she would bring detailed evidence of the complaints to the Policing Board .
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 24 May 2012
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