Pubdate: Sun, 20 May 2012
Source: Tyrone Times (UK)
Copyright: 2012 Johnston Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5340

CHIEF CONSTABLE HAILS COURAGE OF COALISLAND PARENTS

NORTHERN Ireland's Chief Constable Matt Baggott has paid tribute to
the courage of a pioneering anti-drugs group during a surprise visit
to Coalisland on Saturday.

Chief Constable Matt Baggott praised the stand taking by 'Coalisland
Cares' against drug dealers who have been targeting school children in
the area. He revealed his admiration for the parents and clergymen who
set up the group after concerns over illegal drugs snowballed last
month.

The fears prompted hundreds to attend a series of public meetings and
a mass demonstration in the middle of the town.

During his whirlwind tour, Mr Baggott met with representatives of
Coalisland Cares, members of the Newmills, Ballynakelly & Brocagh
Community Police Liaison Groups, the Principals of St Joseph's and
Primate Dixon schools, as well as some local business people and
members of the community.

Although the visit was an informal one in which he chatted personally
to local people, the police chief promised that the the PSNI would
play their part in tackling the drug dealers and criminality in the
area.

The chief constable stated his commitment to Coalisland and said that
he would allocate special expertise and resources to deal with the
drugs issue in the area.

He congratulated 'Coalisland Cares' and all those who had the courage
to stand up publicly against the drug dealers. He encouraged feedback
and holding the PSNI to account, and said that he would visit again to
make sure that the local team was doing its job.

He was also keen to see 'Coalisland Cares' take forward the street
outreach work and offered support to implement it.

The chief constable was told by one local person that this was not a
chance for 'opportunism' or 'political point scoring' on the part of
the PSNI, but that there still had to be a genuine building up of
trust with the community.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We'll keep 'Coalisland Cares'
moving forward, based on genuine care for our young people and the
most vulnerable members of our community.

"The PSNI must hit the 'Supply', we must make sure we're there to
counter and care for the 'Demand.' At the Steering Group meeting at
8pm on 22nd May we will be allocating out different aspects of the
campaign. Well done to everyone who has already spoken up and turned
up." 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D