PSNI review urges 'rigorous approach' to public disorder

In his first report on the PSNI, Her Majesty's Inspector Kenneth Williams has called for a more "rigorous approach to making arrests" a public disorder situations.

Mr Williams noted the impact of policing public disorder during the summer of 2002 and highlighted the need to follow up street violence with thorough investigations.

Speaking about this aspect of the report, Professor Rea said: “The Board accepts that policing public disorder is a challenging task and more often the police act as human buffers between rival factions.

“Whilst it is accepted that such situations need in some circumstances to be handled with tact and diplomacy, the Board supports the view of HMI that while containment is a legitimate police tactic, this should, where appropriate, be accompanied by follow up action in the form of arrests.”

The report, which was completed and published in 2002, highlighted a number of issues, including: community policing; crime management; strategic planning; and the management of financial resources.

Commenting on the findings, Board Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea, said: “This is the first inspection undertaken during the Board’s existence and HMI’s report focuses on important issues relating to the delivery of effective and efficient policing in Northern Ireland.

“It is heartening to see that despite difficulties, HMI reports that the PSNI has made substantial progress in moving forward the change programme. He has however highlighted a number of factors that need to be addressed if the community is to have the police service it needs and deserves. The Policing Board is committed to working with the Chief Constable to make sure this goal is achieved.”

The Chairman noted that many of the issues raised by HMI, such as the need for a Human Resource Strategy, have already been addressed by the PSNI and the Board would continue to monitor the implementation of plans put in place.

“The HR strategy now in place will address future staffing requirements and help ensure the best possible use of police resources," he said.

Welcoming HMI’s comments on progress made by the PSNI in moving towards delivering policing with the community, the difficulties faced in implementing this style of policing against a backdrop of resource, security and public order problems was acknowledged.

Professor Rea said the Board remains "fully committed" to ensuring the delivery of policing with the community as demonstrated by the Independent Members of the District Policing Partnerships (DPPs).

He added: "However, policing public disorder is not just a policing issue. The public has a responsibility in helping to resolve differences. Political leaders, church leaders and the whole community as a whole - and despite differences - have a fundamental role in developing a community environment in which the PSNI can flourish.”

HMIC conducts inspections of all police services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The inspections are designed to assess effectiveness and efficiency and are carried out with the full co-operation of the police services concerned.

(GMcG)