Use of Stop and Search powers reviewed
UUP Spokesperson on Policing, Basil McCrea
Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board’s Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee considered the latest statistical report on the use of Stop and Search by PSNI. This is the first report received by the Committee since the suspension of the use of stop and search powers under S44 of the Terrorism Act by PSNI in July 2010.
Speaking about the latest report Committee Chair Basil McCrea MLA said:
“Use of stop and search powers has been an area of ongoing scrutiny for the Committee and in this report Members were particularly keen to assess the impact that the suspension of Section 44 powers in the period has had on other powers available to police. Read more
Basil McCrea’s UUP Conference speech 2010 now available online
Basil McCrea states ‘more money needed to counter-terrorism’
Basil McCrea MLA Speaking on Policing at the UUP Conference this weekend
Following Chief Constable Matt Baggott’s comments at the UUP Party Conference, that Police numbers fell too quickly after the paramilitary ceasefires, the Chairman of the Police Federation has called for the recruitment of 1000 extra Police officers.
UUP Spokesperson on Policing Basil McCrea, supported Chief Constable Matt Baggot’s analysis and stated; “There has been complacency by a number of people – not least Peter Robinson – saying that we are at peace.”
“There is peace but there’s not reconciliation, Read more
Basil McCrea opens discussions at UUP Party Conference 2010
Basil McCrea, UUP Party Spokesperson on Policing
Speaking at the UUP conference on the topic of Policing, Basil McCrea MLA for Lagan Valley, made the argument that the threat posed by dissident republicans needs to recognised by our community. However, he also strongly defended the Human Rights based approach to policing while tackling the threat, and acknowledged the Chief Constables comment that we may have cashed in the peace dividend too soon.
Schools better to ‘err on the side of caution’ for bad weather
A scene of the weather conditions in Scotland - Provided by Flickr user thskyt
The Newsletter published a recent article of Basil McCrea speaking out to encourage schools to prepare for bad weather;
“UUP education spokesman Basil McCrea said the weather-related closure of around 90 schools across Northern Ireland yesterday was understandable in the circumstances – but said schools must make contingency plans as there could be many similar falls of snow in the coming months.
“The principals know best as there are some very difficult local conditions, and provided it’s not a recurring problem then it’s probably better to err on the side of caution. Read more
