community.

Police Commissioner Colin Coxall yesterday revealed plans to set up three groups, in the west, central and eastern divisions, drawn from members of the public to discuss local policing needs and problems.

A fourth committee would be established to represent the whole Island with members drawn from the three local groups.

"The local divisional commander will be at the meetings. It will be a key meeting for him,'' said Mr. Coxall. "The committee should be leaning on the divisional commander to do something about particular problems in their areas, such as drugs or speeding.

"I am trying to put building blocks into place before I leave. This will be one of the most important things concerning community relations,'' added Mr.

Coxall.

According to the Commissioner, the Police had drifted away from the community and two independent reports pinpointed a gulf between the Service and the public.

The current Police Advisory Board has also "lost its way'' and Mr. Coxall has now drawn up a report for Government setting out ways to bridge the gap.

It is possible that the new groups will initially be based on existing organisations such as the Corporation of Hamilton, but broadened to include other representatives once up and running.

Government could appoint a chairman for the Island-wide committee and that person might appoint chairmen for the other three committees.

Alternatively, local committees could elect a chairman as well as a person to chair the top group.

It is likely membership would be broad and would include local MPs and representatives of local groups including education, the churches, voluntary groups, Chamber of Commerce and youth organisations.

Boards planned To ensure the information reached the local community, the meetings could be open to the Press and public and part of the session might be open to the floor for questions.

It is expected the groups will examine matters including: Ways of maintaining mutual trust between the community and Police and identifying areas where conflicts exist to improve the relationship between the public and the Service; Issues of concern in an area and raising community priorities with the Police; Developing links with other organisations to give a multi-pronged approach to fighting crime; Promotion of crime prevention and local crime prevention campaigns; Increasing links between young people and the Police; and Monitoring the Police Service.

The groups will not discuss issues such as the deployment of officers and the method or timing of Police operations although the results of Police operations could be revealed.

Mr. Coxall said the Police Advisory Board now meets twice a year, but it was time to review arrangements for consultation between the Police and the community.

"Policing policy in an area should be a matter for consultation between the Chief Officer of Polie and the community,'' adds Mr. Coxall's report.

"The prevention of crime, and the maintenance of an orderly society, depend on the Police carrying out their functions with the consent of the community.

"Effective policing depends on such consent being given and on the Police Service making decisions which are in tune with the needs of the local community.'' The report adds: "While the Police are charged with the prevention of crime and the maintenance of order, those tasks cannot be fulfilled effectively unless the community itself shoulders its responsibilities for tackling the particular problems of an area.

"It is therefore very important that arrangements for local consultation between the Police and the community should focus on local problems.''