PSNI Must Do More To Protect Vulnerable Victims - Report

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) needs to do more to protect vulnerable victims, a new report has found.

In inspections carried out in February 2016, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) stated that while the force uses its resources "efficiently", it "requires improvement" when protecting vulnerable people, as well as identifying children at risk of sexual exploitation.

The inspections focused on two policing areas; the efficiency with which it keeps people safe and how effective it is at supporting vulnerable victims.

HMIC said the PSNI needs to improve its long-term financial and workforce plans, as it relies heavily on officers and staff working overtime. In addition, the inspectorate found sickness levels are too high.

HM Inspector of Constabulary, Michael Cunningham, said: "We were pleased to find that the service is demonstrating a good understanding of current demand for its services and is good at financial management. We have identified areas where it could be more efficient – including building a clearer understanding of future demand, and better planning for how it uses its workforce.

"However, we do have concerns with how the force responds to and protects vulnerable victims. In particular we were concerned to see inconsistencies in how staff recognise and assess vulnerability."

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said the force welcomes the outcomes.

"It is encouraging that HMIC found that; the PSNI use resources efficiently to keep people safe; has a good understanding of current demand; and has a strong track record of achieving required savings," he said.

"PSNI is committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, other statutory agencies and voluntary sector organisations."

HMIC said that further inspections will be carried out in 2016/17.

(LM/JP)