Policing Board welcome awareness survey results

The Northern Ireland Policing Board have welcomed the findings of the October 2001 Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey into public awareness of the Policing Board.

The results showed a clear increase in awareness of the Policing Board’s roles, responsibilities and purpose however some of those surveyed thought that the Board was part of the police.

Professor Rea, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board expressed satisfaction with the results: “The results of this survey are extremely encouraging, particularly as the questions were asked before the Board was officially established and had a chance to achieve any real results.

“The Board is wholly independent of the police service and it is crucial that the public understand and believe in this impartiality. These results show that the majority of people surveyed thought that the Board was a completely independent body. Whilst this is reassuring, we must continue, through our work to ensure that the Police Service is accountable to the community and meets their policing needs.

“Board members have already dealt with a number of important issues. We have challenges ahead but our key objective, as we consider the policing agenda, is the pursuit of an effective and efficient policing service for Northern Ireland.”

The Board have pledged to work positively to raise their profile among those groups who are not aware of its role and responsibilities.

(GB)