PSNI Needs To Improve Crime Prevention And Offender Management

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) needs to make improvements in how it prevents crime and manages offenders and suspects, according to a report published today by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The inspectorate graded the PSNI's performance in two key areas of policing, finding the service to be 'adequate' in preventing and deterring crime, antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, but requiring improvement in managing offenders and suspects.

Inspectors acknowledged that the PSNI utilises a range of techniques to prevent crime, citing examples such as neighbourhood policing teams working to build trust with young people to steer them away from paramilitary groups and offending, and collaboration with retailers to address crime.

However, the report raised concerns about neighbourhood officers being diverted from their core duties to fill gaps in response teams. HMICFRS stated that this practice limits the time officers can spend on visible patrols, community engagement, and preventative work. The inspectorate noted that these decisions were made reluctantly by PSNI leadership due to reduced officer numbers.

A significant area of concern highlighted in the report was the management of offenders and suspects. HMICFRS found that the child internet protection team is understaffed, hindering its ability to effectively manage its workload and referrals from the National Crime Agency. The inspectorate also pointed to a lack of adequate support for officers managing violent and sexual offenders or investigating offences involving children. Specifically, the report noted the absence of psychological screening for officers in the offender investigation unit and the child internet protection team, recommending better support for child abuse investigators, offender managers, and their supervisors.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman expressed concerns about the PSNI's performance in keeping people safe, preventing crime, and providing effective services to victims. He stated, "The service's leaders told us they valued, and recognised the importance of, neighbourhood policing. But in our inspection, we found the current resourcing picture is stark. The service often took neighbourhood officers away from their core roles to cover response and other policing duties."

Mr Freeman also emphasised the need for the PSNI to improve its management of risks posed by violent and sexual offenders and to ensure the prompt sharing of safeguarding information with health and social care trusts.

The report underscores the significant impact of ongoing financial pressures on the PSNI's ability to deliver a high-quality service. HMICFRS stated that the findings of the inspection highlight the considerable strain on the service's capacity.

Despite the criticisms, Mr Freeman acknowledged the dedication of the Chief Constable, officers, and staff: "The chief constable, his officers and staff are clearly determined to provide a high-quality service and to secure the trust and confidence of all communities." However, he concluded that "the financial pressures mean, however, that the service is currently limited in what it is able to achieve."

The full report is available here.