The PSNI inspected on crime recording and efficiency

Following commissions by David Ford, Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has today published two reports looking at the efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The first report looks at how the PSNI records crime in line with the Home Office Counting Rules (HOCR). The second report shows how well the PSNI is meeting financial challenges due to austerity measures.

Get the reports

Crime data integrity – inspection of the Police Service Northern Ireland

Responding to austerity – inspection of the Police Service Northern Ireland

Crime recording

HMIC is impressed with how accurately the PSNI records crime. This is down to strong leadership in this area, and a positive attitude amongst officers and staff. Frequent independent, internal audits on crime recording help the force to comply with the HOCR.

Responding to austerity

HMIC recognises that the PSNI achieved the savings required across the spending review period, and made further reductions to meet additional in year budget cuts in 2014/15. However, as austerity continues the service needs to better understand the demands it faces, and introduce an operating model that can be sustained in the longer term.

HM Inspector of Constabulary, Mike Cunningham said:

“I am impressed with how the PSNI approaches crime recording, and am pleased to say that it is one of the strongest in this area compared to forces in England and Wales. The public can have faith that the PSNI’s approach to recording crime allows the force to focus its resources in the right areas. There are areas to improve however, and I have made recommendations accordingly.

“The PSNI has achieved the spending cuts required during this spending review period. However, it faces a significant challenge to meet future spending cuts whilst improving its service to the people of Northern Ireland. There is more the force can do to ensure it is working as efficiently as possible. The PSNI should develop a greater understanding of demand, and a sustainable policing model, which meets the needs of the public.

“I will monitor the progress the PSNI makes against the recommendations in these reports, and expect to see improvements.”

Get the reports

Crime data integrity – inspection of the Police Service Northern Ireland

Responding to austerity – inspection of the Police Service Northern Ireland

Notes

  1. HMIC independently assesses police forces and policing activity – ranging from neighbourhood teams though serious crime to the fight against terrorism – in the public interest.
  2. HMIC was commissioned by David Ford, Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland under section 41(2) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (PNI Act 1998) to inspect the PSNI on both efficiency and crime recording.
  3. HMIC had previously carried out and inspection of all forces in England and Wales on both efficiency (published July 2014) and crime recording (published between March and October 2014).
  4. Mike Cunningham joined HMIC in September 2014 as HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Northern region forces in England and Wales. The PSNI is also included within his inspection remit.