Supplementary written evidence from the
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Whilst giving evidence to the Committee on Organised
Crime on 15 February 2006 we agreed to provide additional information
on a question posted by Sammy Wilson concerning the number of
groups we are dealing with (Q152).
In response we would say that when the matrix
(annex a) was first developed, it was used to identify the 25
gangs that were considered at that time to have the potential
to cause the most harm to the community. Police action has been
carried out against all 25 of the gangs and significant arrests,
seizures and disruptions have resulted. The results and impact
of this activity are recorded in the annual OCTF report.
Organised crime gangs are fluid in nature and
criminal allegiances change, especially as gang members are disrupted
by police activity such as seizures and arrest, so the nature
and make up of the gangs can change on a frequent basis. On the
25 originally highlighted, few exist in their original form due
to successful police activity and shifting criminal or paramilitary
allegiance.
These and other gangs have continued to evolve
so the matrix is used on an ongoing basis to monitor the activities
of organised crime gangs, identify new and emerging individuals
and alliances and ensure that police resources are targeted against
the criminal elements which present the greatest threat. Other
gangs identified by the matrix will be subject to intelligence
development to identify and address information gaps and identify
potential opportunities for disruption so that operational resources
can be deployed as appropriate.
Sir Hugh Orde OBE
Chief Constable
24 February 2006
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