24 March 2012 Last updated at 11:51 ET <\/p>\n
The Police Service of Northern Ireland was awarded the Freedom of North Down in a ceremony in Bangor on Saturday. <\/p>\n
It is the highest accolade the council can give and marks the 10th anniversary of the formation of the PSNI. <\/p>\n
It is the first time any council has given the honour to the PSNI. North Down mayor James McKerrow said it was the \"right time\" to bestow it. <\/p>\n
\"It means a lot to us and I believe it means a lot to the recipients,\" he said. <\/p>\n
\"It's the highest honour the borough can grant to a person or an organisation. We don't do it too often. <\/p>\n
\"The RUC were granted the freedom of the borough nearly 30 years ago, the Royal Irish Regiment have the freedom of the borough. <\/p>\n
\"I think it will mean a lot to the men and women of the PSNI.\" <\/p>\n
Sixty PSNI officers paraded through the town and attended the awarding of the freedom. <\/p>\n
District commander Ch Supt Nigel Grimshaw said the honour was evidence of \"growing confidence\" in the PSNI. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
See the rest here: 24 March 2012 Last updated at 11:51 ET The Police Service of Northern Ireland was awarded the Freedom of North Down in a ceremony in Bangor on Saturday. It is the highest accolade the council can give and marks the 10th anniversary of the formation of the PSNI. Continue reading
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