Those civic-minded people who will serve their local communities on the District Policing Partnerships are unlikely to be under any illusions about the job they are undertaking.
However, it was chilling to hear Chief Constable Hugh Orde articulate the threat which is posed by dissident republicans.
There is no doubt that these dangerous and disaffected individuals wish to undermine the work of the new policing structures.
They have already targeted Catholic recruits and police bases.
However, their despicable campaign of terror and intimidation must not be allowed to succeed.
The 207 independent members of the DPPs will represent their local communities and will perform a vital role in helping to address key issues and hold police to account for their actions.
They will serve along with elected representatives from each council district in delivering a key recommendation of the Patten commission.
Given the frightening upsurge in crime, the DPPs will have much work to do in ensuring that local concerns are given priority by the police.
This week saw yet another example of the reckless and potentially lethal behaviour of car criminals who use their vehicles as weapons.
Kevin Glackin is fortunate to be alive after being hit by a car driven at pedestrians on Black's Road, Belfast on Monday night.
This type of crime – as well as the countless violent robberies, burglaries, vandal attacks and car thefts – are of major concern to entire neighbourhoods and many people are desperate to see firm action taken on such issues.
Mr Orde has shown himself to be prepared to respond to particular concerns and to increase police visibility.
In recent weeks, the Irish News has taken the police to task over the time taken to respond to serious crime and also revealed that the PSNI was the only emergency service in the north which did not set target times for responding to 999 calls.
The chief constable, who expressed surprise at this news, has now moved to introduce target times, which is an encouraging sign that he is open to ideas and prepared to make changes.
Delivering effective policing to the entire community will not be achieved overnight.
However, significant and positive changes have already taken place and the increased accountability, represented by the Policing Board and the DPPs, will help ensure that people here get the police service they deserve.
