Policing Board publish targets for new Police Service

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has published its three-year vision for the future of the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The Policing Plan, published on Thursday March 28 sets out policing priorities for the next year and also sets out the longer-term vision for policing over the next three years.

It will be used to hold the Police Service to account for the delivery of an effective, efficient and impartial service to the Northern Ireland community.

The plan contains six key policing objectives and 20 performance targets, which will help tackle the major concerns of the community in Northern Ireland.

The key areas of crime, public order, drugs, organisational effectiveness and overall police change have been highlighted by the Board as areas they want to see police efforts concentrated.

Board Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea, said: “This Policing Plan defines the priorities which have been set for the police over the next 12 months. We believe the plan focuses attention and resources in those areas of policing where Board Members believe the community would want to see police effort concentrated.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and be reassured that issues of concern are being effectively policed.

“Directing resources at tackling crimes such as domestic burglaries, theft and drugs will help promote public confidence. However we firmly believe that an important element in reducing the fear of crime is to have more officers on the ground.”

One of the key differences between this plan and previous policing plans is that it includes a summary of the Training, Education and Development Strategy for the Police Service.

Prof Rea added: “The success of this Strategy is vital to all aspects of policing. Some of the key elements are policing with the community, human rights, diversity, professional standards and ethics. We must ensure that all existing and new PSNI officers are given the best possible chance of delivering a service to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland Community and to do that they need to be properly trained on all these vital issues.”

(AMcE)