Councillor Rachel Woods recently assumed the position of Chair of Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).

Councillor Rachel Woods recently assumed the position of Chair of Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). Last week, she met with PSNI Superintendent Johnston McDowell to discuss policing issues in the Ards and North Down area.

Councillor Woods is well known in Ards and North Down as both a councillor and a former MLA. She served on the last two PCSPs and was previously Chair in 2019. She holds degrees in history and philosophy, as well as a Masters in Violence, Terrorism and Security Studies. 

As an MLA, she served on Stormont’s Justice Committee and secured key amendments to the new Domestic Abuse Act on protecting children and tackling abuse through the courts system, as well as bringing forward changes on stalking, sexual offences and victims of trafficking.

PCSP Chair, Councillor Rachel Woods, said:
“I am looking forward to working with the Ards and North Down PCSP in the coming year as we seek to seek to deliver our wide-ranging programme to make the Ards and North Down Borough a safer place for everyone. 

I am especially proud of our projects tackling domestic and sexual abuse and supporting both female and male victims. In my time as Chair of the PCSP, I want the Partnership to work closely with the police to support all victims of crime, whether they are at risk from anti-social behaviour, burglary, drug and alcohol issues, or helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse and control.  

I will also be ensuring the PCSP support road safety for all ages throughout the Borough.”

District Commander for Ards and North Down, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, said:
“Building safe communities is beyond the ability of the Police Service of Northern Ireland alone and requires a multi-agency partnership approach to work collaboratively to solve local concerns.
“Working with the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) enables us to share deep knowledge and build relationships across local communities, increasing overall trust in the strategic work we do.

“The continued commitment from the PCSP is a huge support to Police and I look forward to working with Rachel and the PCSP team as we continue active engagements across the Ards and North Down Borough.”