SDLP Policing Board Member Dolores Kelly MLA has called for clarity on the involvement of British Army personnel in searches Across the North.
Last week two units of Army Technical Officers were involved in searches at address in Derry being co-ordinated by the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit based at Maydown.
Mrs Kelly said: “Over the last number of weeks there has been a notable increase in cases where British Army personnel have been involved in searches of properties in communities across the North.
“The ongoing security threat as a result of the actions of violent dissident republicans has led to this difficult situation.
“Campaigns of violence in the past resulted in army personnel on the streets of the North and the current spate of violent attacks appears, unfortunately, to be keeping an army presence in our communities.
“I have written to the Chief Constable about this matter.
“It’s important that we receive clarity on who is responsible for these operations and that the primacy of the Policing Board is maintained.”