The Police Service of Northern Ireland supports a range of projects within communities across Northern Ireland that have specific challenges.
These projects aim to deter young people from becoming involved in criminality and assist in signposting them in how to make positive life choices.
They are part of a wider government programme designed to tackle all aspects of paramilitary activity, associated criminality and organised crime. Working in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Executive’s Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme supports people and communities across Northern Ireland who are vulnerable to paramilitary influence and harm.
The Police Service work with a number of partners across Northern Ireland to deliver these projects to give young people the opportunity to come together, socialise and learn new skills.
Every interaction between young people and Police will be an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with the child and their family.
Why are these youth programmes needed?
We want to work with young people to help them be more resilient, achieve their potential, and reduce the opportunities that criminal gangs have to exploit them. These programmes are designed to help young people make positive life choices, and encourage engagement with local officers so we will be in a better position to both understand and support them.