Menu
04/11/2010
Damning Report Slams NI Policing Board
The Northern Ireland Policing Board is to meet to discuss the findings of what is thought to be a damning independent report on its performance - with it even being suggested that is could be "obsolete".
The review found the police oversight body was slow to take decisions, bureaucratic and was not providing value for money.
Commenting on the publication, Sinn Fein Policing Spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA said: "Some time ago I said publicly that our party had major concerns about the leadership and management structures of the Policing Board.
"It is important to note that it was from the Board itself that this report was then commissioned," he said.
"I welcome the report as it points up a number of areas of concern which I highlighted some time ago.
"The Policing Board is an integral and key part of the accountability mechanisms of policing here and that is why Sinn Fein are committed to ensuring it is improved to a standard acceptable to the community.
"We will be meeting with both, the author of the report, Ken Reed and the PSNI's senior management team in the coming weeks which will give us a formal opportunity to address the issues raised," he concluded.
The continuous improvement report on the board, which costs £8.8m to run annually, said the way it is functioning is "causing frustration among senior police officers".
The independent consultant who penned the assessment, Ken Reed, is to outline his full findings to members during a private meeting at board headquarters this week and it is expected the matter will also be raised at the monthly public meeting beforehand.
It has been reported that Mr Reed found the board's "decision-making processes are slow, bureaucratic and not outcome-focused, which is resulting in frustration among members and senior officers of the PSNI".
Now, despite the fact that Board members commissioned the external performance audit themselves, Mr Reed's study was particularly critical of one of the board's primary functions - how it engages with the public.
With additional oversight of the PSNI now provided by Stormont's Justice Committee since the devolution of law and order powers from London earlier this year, the consultant even suggested the board could effectively become obsolete.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The review found the police oversight body was slow to take decisions, bureaucratic and was not providing value for money.
Commenting on the publication, Sinn Fein Policing Spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA said: "Some time ago I said publicly that our party had major concerns about the leadership and management structures of the Policing Board.
"It is important to note that it was from the Board itself that this report was then commissioned," he said.
"I welcome the report as it points up a number of areas of concern which I highlighted some time ago.
"The Policing Board is an integral and key part of the accountability mechanisms of policing here and that is why Sinn Fein are committed to ensuring it is improved to a standard acceptable to the community.
"We will be meeting with both, the author of the report, Ken Reed and the PSNI's senior management team in the coming weeks which will give us a formal opportunity to address the issues raised," he concluded.
The continuous improvement report on the board, which costs £8.8m to run annually, said the way it is functioning is "causing frustration among senior police officers".
The independent consultant who penned the assessment, Ken Reed, is to outline his full findings to members during a private meeting at board headquarters this week and it is expected the matter will also be raised at the monthly public meeting beforehand.
It has been reported that Mr Reed found the board's "decision-making processes are slow, bureaucratic and not outcome-focused, which is resulting in frustration among members and senior officers of the PSNI".
Now, despite the fact that Board members commissioned the external performance audit themselves, Mr Reed's study was particularly critical of one of the board's primary functions - how it engages with the public.
With additional oversight of the PSNI now provided by Stormont's Justice Committee since the devolution of law and order powers from London earlier this year, the consultant even suggested the board could effectively become obsolete.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 July 2006
Policing Board publishes Fifth Annual Report
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today published its Fifth Annual Report, which contains an overview of the work of the Board and an assessment of police performance during the period from April 1 2005 – March 31 2006.
Policing Board publishes Fifth Annual Report
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today published its Fifth Annual Report, which contains an overview of the work of the Board and an assessment of police performance during the period from April 1 2005 – March 31 2006.
22 January 2007
Policing Board calls special meeting over 'shocking' report
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today received the Police Ombudsman’s report on the investigation into matters surrounding the death of Raymond McCord Junior.
Policing Board calls special meeting over 'shocking' report
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today received the Police Ombudsman’s report on the investigation into matters surrounding the death of Raymond McCord Junior.
07 April 2006
Rea re-elected Chairman of NI Policing Board
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has announced the re-election of Sir Desmond Rea as Chairman and the election of Barry Gilligan as the Board’s Vice Chairman. The new Policing Board came into effect on April 1 and as their first duty was required to elect a Chair and Vice Chair.
Rea re-elected Chairman of NI Policing Board
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has announced the re-election of Sir Desmond Rea as Chairman and the election of Barry Gilligan as the Board’s Vice Chairman. The new Policing Board came into effect on April 1 and as their first duty was required to elect a Chair and Vice Chair.
04 April 2008
Top Cop Squares Up To Maskey Over West Belfast
In a TV clash worthy of US presidential candidate hopefuls, last night saw an unexpected war of words breaking out between a Sinn Fein member of the NI Policing Board - and former Lord Mayor of Belfast - and the Chief Constable.
Top Cop Squares Up To Maskey Over West Belfast
In a TV clash worthy of US presidential candidate hopefuls, last night saw an unexpected war of words breaking out between a Sinn Fein member of the NI Policing Board - and former Lord Mayor of Belfast - and the Chief Constable.
24 October 2008
Raymond Junior Murder Report Highlighted
One of the most controversial killings to have taken place in Northern Ireland is again in the spotlight today with news that the Northern Ireland Policing Board wants to see a report on progress made to date in assuring a more appropriate policing response in future being published.
Raymond Junior Murder Report Highlighted
One of the most controversial killings to have taken place in Northern Ireland is again in the spotlight today with news that the Northern Ireland Policing Board wants to see a report on progress made to date in assuring a more appropriate policing response in future being published.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
