The Northern Ireland Organised Crime Strategy 2021–2024 has been published.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Organised crime causes harm, misery and fear within our communities and tackling it is one of my key priorities. This three year Strategy sets out a refreshed vision for Northern Ireland, with the overarching aim of protecting individuals, communities and businesses in Northern Ireland from organised crime.”
The strategy has been developed to consolidate and enhance the response to existing organised crime threats, as well as identifying and responding effectively to emerging crime types.
The strategy has four key themes:
- PURSUE offenders through investigation, disruption and prosecution;
- PREPARE AND PROTECT individuals, communities, systems and businesses to mitigate vulnerability and impact;
- PREVENT deter and divert people from engaging and re-engaging in organised crime; and
- PARTNERSHIP – To create a sustainable, efficient, effective and collaborative system response.
This Strategy has been developed by the Department of Justice following significant engagement with partners across Government and law enforcement, and in particular, by close engagement with partner organisations represented on the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF).
The Minister said: “The strategy has also been informed and influenced by responses received during the consultation on the draft Strategy and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development. I also want to acknowledge the work of all our Organised Crime Taskforce partners, who have the primary role in disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups.”
The Strategy sets out a common vision for the OCTF partners who have different roles, operational responsibilities, priorities and accountability structures. While the document is important for government and for agencies it is also a demonstration to the community of a joint commitment to tackle the issues. It focuses on strategic objectives in priority areas and it will be revised and updated as necessary. A report on achievement against the Strategy will be included in the OCTF Annual Report and Threat Assessment.
The Strategy is available on the Department of Justice website at: https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/organised-crime-strategy
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