26/03/2004

PSNI performance figures released

Newly released PSNI performance figures have revealed that although the detection rate for violent crime has increased, it is still well below the target set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

The targets are set in the Annual Policing Plan which the Board publishes every March. This year's figures showed that the PSNI had a detection rate of 48.5% - which is below the 55% target set in the Policing Plan.

Confidence levels relating to people who think the PSNI do a good job was 62% against a target of 70%, while the processing of custody and bail cases on time was also an area of concern. Both have targets set at 85% but are currently sitting at 56% and 66% respectively.

However, on a more positive note for the PSNI, the number of domestic burglaries and vehicle crimes were down respectively at 12% and 18%. Vehicle crimes and drink/driving detection rates also fell by 18% and 16% respectively.

Commenting on the figures, Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea said: "The Policing Board is here to ensure that we have a police service that is effective and efficient.

“One of the most effective ways to ensure this is for members to monitor police performance on a regular basis which gives an indication as to where PSNI are at any given time in meeting targets that have been set in the Annual Policing Plan.

"The Deputy Chief Constable’s (Paul Leighton) presentation on first three quarters of this financial year gave members a broader collective view of performance in the run up to 31 March 2004 and year-end, when the Board will receive final figures."

The Policing Plan is produced in accordance with the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. It is prepared by the Chief Constable, agreed by the Policing Board and endorsed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 April 2007
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
20 November 2007
Policing Partnership Meeting Abandoned
Sinn Fein's vote last January to back the PSNI and to nominate party representatives for seats on the N I Policing Board and the associated District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) for the first time, has proved to be easier to agree than to action.
20 November 2003
DPPs tour PSNI Training College
The Police Service College opened its doors to members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) today to showcase the vital police work carried out by a number of police departments.
19 November 2003
SDLP issues 12 point plan for safer communities
The SDLP have issued a 12 point plan which it says will lead to safer communities if implemented. Policing spokesman Alex Attwood said his party would be pushing for full implementation of the plan over the next fours within the District Policing Partnerships and the Policing Board.