Giving an overview of the progress made in policing in the community, Superintendent David Hamilton, who retired yesterday, said averting these incidents was believed to have saved more than £9,000.

A recent report into community policing in the Larne area found that between 171 and 198 serious sectarian incidents were averted in the Larne area which could have cost £9,200.

"It also helped greatly in the building of community relations in that area as well."

Addressing the Policing Board on Thursday, Supt Hamilton, said the PSNI now has 1,323 officers attached to neighbourhood policing.

He said of that of that number 761 constables were part-time and 430 full-time officers.

Supt Hamilton said he could confirm that policing in the community is now a key theme integrated throughout the PSNI's training.

"The training includes service delivery, partnership working, problem solving, problem solving empowerment and accountability."

Supt Hamilton said the engagement policies used in the PSNI's community policing had also earned them a national policing award.

He added that as a man from the north west of the Province he "never thought he would see the day when police officers would be having a conference in the Creggan community centre, like they did after the murder of Emmet Shiels.

The 22-year-old was shot in the Bligh's Lane area at about in the early hours of June 24.

One man has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm.

Another man has been charged with offences related to the murder.

"The cooperation that was given to the police has been wonderful and deserves note that young people in that area have accepted the police," said Supt Hamilton.

"The youth who helped deliver the leaflets after the murder never thought they would be doing that to help bring those persons to justice.

"Again I never thought I would see the day police officers would be invited to a funeral in St Eugene's cathedral.

"I think it is tremendous to see what is happening.

"The investigation into the murder of Emmet Shiels has been another good example of policing in the community."

Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, said he believed it had got to the stage in the PSNI where neighbourhood policing was being seen as the "sexy option" for young officers.

"I know that neighbourhood policing officers have gone that extra yard and we have numerous examples of that.

"I know a number of young neighbourhood officers and I have never met more highly motivated trained individuals."