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03/04/2025
Long Highlights Funding Concerns Following PSNI Inspection
Justice Minister Naomi Long has addressed the findings of a recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) regarding the PSNI's effectiveness and efficiency in crime prevention.
HMICFRS, which is responsible for independently evaluating the UK's police and fire and rescue services, conducted an inspection of the PSNI in November 2024, focusing on crime prevention, deterrence, and the management of suspects and offenders, as mandated by the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
Minister Long acknowledged the report's conclusions: "Whilst there are many operational challenges for the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) to take forward, the inspection report also underscores the impact of reduced police officer numbers on our communities. It highlights the critical need to address the decline in numbers and warns of future risks if the situation is not addressed."
She emphasized the shared priority of increasing police numbers with the Chief Constable: "Increasing police numbers is a key priority that the Chief Constable and I share. The Chief Constable and I are fully committed to recovering workforce levels to 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff within the next three years."
Minister Long further underscored the importance of maintaining public safety: "By keeping communities safe we enable them to have the confidence they need to live productively and engage fully in society. That is clearly laid out in the new programme for government, and I will continue to advocate strongly for additional resources for the PSNI to enhance public safety."
She concluded by expressing gratitude to HMICFRS for their comprehensive report and commended the PSNI officers and staff for their professionalism and dedication, which was also recognized in the HMICFRS report.
HMICFRS, which is responsible for independently evaluating the UK's police and fire and rescue services, conducted an inspection of the PSNI in November 2024, focusing on crime prevention, deterrence, and the management of suspects and offenders, as mandated by the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
She emphasized the shared priority of increasing police numbers with the Chief Constable: "Increasing police numbers is a key priority that the Chief Constable and I share. The Chief Constable and I are fully committed to recovering workforce levels to 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff within the next three years."
Minister Long further underscored the importance of maintaining public safety: "By keeping communities safe we enable them to have the confidence they need to live productively and engage fully in society. That is clearly laid out in the new programme for government, and I will continue to advocate strongly for additional resources for the PSNI to enhance public safety."
She concluded by expressing gratitude to HMICFRS for their comprehensive report and commended the PSNI officers and staff for their professionalism and dedication, which was also recognized in the HMICFRS report.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
