22/06/2004

Joined-up approach yields benefits to criminal justice

Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar, today highlighted the benefits of a joined-up system of justice at the launch of the inaugural annual report of Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland (CJSNI).

Addressing an audience representing all of the Criminal Justice agencies, Mr Spellar said the primary role of the publication was to demonstrate that the Government was delivering a criminal justice system that serves and protects the people of Northern Ireland.

"This report contains a great deal of good news; it shows how all of the Criminal Justice organisations are working towards a single vision to ensure a modern, effective and professional criminal justice system," the Minister said.

"It is vital that the CJSNI is accessible and responsive to the public it serves and the positive measures demonstrated in this report reflect its commitment to protect individuals and implement community safety measures.

"I hope that this report demonstrates that all of us, from Ministerial level through to front line staff, are determined to ensure that the criminal justice system serves the community effectively, in partnership and with integrity."

This is the first Annual Report from the Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland (CJSNI), and reports on progress against the Purpose and Aims document published in December 2003.

The CJSNI is made up of six main statutory organisations: the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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