Menu
23/10/2018
Reports Of Child Sex Crimes More Than Double Since 2010
Reports of sexual offences involving children have more than doubled since 2010, according to the PSNI Chief Constable.
The exact rise in crimes of this nature remains unclear due to under-reporting and other factors.
"It is a sad indictment of society," Chief Constable George Hamilton said.
"But I think it is us getting a more accurate picture of where we are."
Mr Hamilton welcomed an increase in reporting to police, but said that solving this type of crime was becoming increasingly complex.
In a meeting with the Policing Board on Monday, he reiterated that budgets had shrunk in recent years, and that some official plans for the future remain in draft form because of the lack of a Stormont executive.
The Chief Constable also said that policing the legacy of the past is costing millions and despite its importance, it is not addressing the serious crimes of today.
Reports of cyber-related offences have increased by 112% in the last three years.
"All of those increasing complexities tend not to be policed by officers on the high street, in our housing estates, in high visibility jackets at 10pm tackling anti-social behaviour," Mr Hamilton said.
"The shift is going from the visible police presence to invisible police activity, but it is critical to tackle the complexity of this changing demand."
Despite the change in the nature of crime, public expectations around visible policing are increasing.
"We need to balance this against demand which has shifted into this more complex, more labour-intensive, less visible space- this is part of the problem that we have," he added.
(JG)
The exact rise in crimes of this nature remains unclear due to under-reporting and other factors.
"It is a sad indictment of society," Chief Constable George Hamilton said.
"But I think it is us getting a more accurate picture of where we are."
Mr Hamilton welcomed an increase in reporting to police, but said that solving this type of crime was becoming increasingly complex.
In a meeting with the Policing Board on Monday, he reiterated that budgets had shrunk in recent years, and that some official plans for the future remain in draft form because of the lack of a Stormont executive.
The Chief Constable also said that policing the legacy of the past is costing millions and despite its importance, it is not addressing the serious crimes of today.
Reports of cyber-related offences have increased by 112% in the last three years.
"All of those increasing complexities tend not to be policed by officers on the high street, in our housing estates, in high visibility jackets at 10pm tackling anti-social behaviour," Mr Hamilton said.
"The shift is going from the visible police presence to invisible police activity, but it is critical to tackle the complexity of this changing demand."
Despite the change in the nature of crime, public expectations around visible policing are increasing.
"We need to balance this against demand which has shifted into this more complex, more labour-intensive, less visible space- this is part of the problem that we have," he added.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
24 May 2017
Increased Police Presence In NI Following Manchester Attack
There will be an increased police presence in Northern Ireland following the terror attack in Manchester, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has confirmed. However, he said that the military deployment announced by Prime Minister Theresa May as part of Operation Temperer "will not apply" in NI.
Increased Police Presence In NI Following Manchester Attack
There will be an increased police presence in Northern Ireland following the terror attack in Manchester, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has confirmed. However, he said that the military deployment announced by Prime Minister Theresa May as part of Operation Temperer "will not apply" in NI.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
