Pilot launched for Criminal Justice System

It is crucial that everyone is treated fairly by the justice system in Northern Ireland, regardless of their background.

This is according to Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson who was speaking today as the Government launched a pilot for equity monitoring.

The purpose of the pilot, which will be launched in Banbridge, Foyle and South Belfast District Command Units, is to examine how best to capture data on the basis of categories such as disability, age, gender, marital status, etc.

“This pilot will help us to deliver on our commitment to have an accountable, transparent justice system for all and I look forward to seeing the results in the Spring," the Minister said.

Participation in the pilot scheme is entirely voluntary, and anonymity is guaranteed. The arrestee will be invited to take part in an equity monitoring interview after their PSNI detention process is complete.

The data will not be used for monitoring purposes, but will be stored in accordance with Data Protection legislation at the independent monitoring unit.

The results of the pilot are expected in Spring 2006, at which point further consideration will be given to the extension of this scheme.

The actual data collected will not be used for monitoring purposes, as the sample size would not support such statistical analysis.

The aim is to achieve 50 completed interviews at each custody suite.

(MB/SP)