'PSNI reforms could be undermined', report says

A new report published today by Police Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson, has warned that plans to reduce the number of policing districts in Northern Ireland could undermine efforts to tackle crime within the community.

Due to government plans to reform local authorities, as well as public bodies, it is expected that come 2009, there will be six policing districts instead of the current 29.

Mr Hutchinson today said that there are many advantages by merging district council areas for the sake of both governance and policing efficiency, but added that adapting to the Review of Public Administration has the potential to at least temporarily disrupt local police and community relationships, relationships which have been developed and carefully nurtured by all concerned over a long period of time.

He said: "This was about getting policing down to the local policing level. We have local beat and community policing teams and police in sector areas patrolling a local area working with the communities.”

Mr Hutchinson was delivering his 17th report on implementation of police reforms in the province, concentrating this time on devolving authority from police headquarters.

Meanwhile, Policing Board Chairman Sir Desmond Rea has welcomed the publication of the Oversight Commissioner’s latest report. Sir Desmond said: “The Board recognises the challenges that the Review of Public Administration (RPA) will bring, but also welcomes the opportunities that come with it. Opportunities which will help improve service delivery and ultimately make communities safer.

“The PSNI is already preparing for the implementation of the RPA’s recommendations in 2009 and a team has been established to manage and drive the changes. The Board will no doubt note the Oversight Commissioner’s particular comments that, the local police, through neighbourhood problem solving and public engagement, have acquired an intimate awareness and knowledge of issues of concern to the community. The public have become more familiar with local officers and found opportunities to engage in productive partnership arrangements. Council Members and independent members have contributed to District Policing Partnerships, gaining more knowledge and awareness of public safety issues within their communities while also influencing policing priorities and encouraging community engagement with police. These features are risks if adaptation to the changes to be introduced by the RPA agenda is done with care and sensitivity.’

Sir Desmond continued: “Thus the Policing Board will continue to oversee developments and ensure that the good work to date is enhanced and there is no diminution of the community engagement, consultation and neighbourhood links established – these must continue to be built on.

“Within the context of delivering greater value for money, the Board will be holding the PSNI to account for realising efficiencies from the reconfiguration of DCUs.

He added: “RPA will also affect the District Policing Partnership network and the Board together with the DPPs and others has been giving consideration to the implications. DPPs provide a key part of the public service architecture for the effective delivery of local policing services; they provide a model that has the potential to enhance policing with the community, community engagement and the effectiveness of other local services.”

In conclusion the Chairman endorsed the Commissioners recognition to those who had played a positive role to delivering changes to date; and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to meeting its critical oversight responsibilities in progressing and monitoring the outstanding recommendations; and in working with the Commissioner’s Office, the PSNI and other key stakeholders to ensure the proper arrangements are put in place post May 2007.

(EF/KMcA)