Policing affects everyone in our society. We all expect and deserve a police service that meets our needs and we all have a responsibility to work with the police to help make our neighbourhoods safer.

No one knows or understands what your community wants from its police service more than the people who live and work there. If you want to make a real difference to how your area is policed, you should consider joining your local District Policing Partnership (DPP) as an Independent Member.

There are 26 DPPs in Northern Ireland, one in each Council area. DPPs talk to people from all sections of the community to find out what they think about policing in their area. They pass on these views and concerns to the local police commander, ask questions on their behalf, work with the police to set targets and then monitor the progress police are making in meeting those targets.

DPPs are made up of local Councillors and 'Independent Members' who are people from the local community. The Policing Board will soon begin the process to recruit new Independent Members in 23 of the 26 DPPs.

In appointing new Members, the Board must ensure that the membership of each DPP as far as possible reflects the community it serves. In some areas, women and young people are under-represented on DPPs. The Board wants this to change and would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds, but particularly women and young people, to consider joining their DPP.

Communities are made up of all types of people and we need to reflect this in our DPPs. If you think you would like to be involved in how your area is policed come along to one of the information events listed below, talk to an existing DPP Member and hear about their experiences or visit the Policing Board's website at www.nipolicingbaord.org.uk . All events start at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

Arts Centre, William Street, Portadown Thursday

25 October

The Civic Room, Strabane Library, Railway Street Monday

29 October