Menu
27/08/2009
Gillespie Defends Damning PSNI Report
Administrative functions carried out by police officers are to be reviewed.
The Province's second highest ranking police officer has said an action plan is in place to cut down on bureaucracy within the service.
Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie conceded changes are needed to ensure more officers are involved in frontline policing.
DCC Gillespie (pictured) was responding to a leaked report, which suggested 61% of officers spent their time in stations dealing with administration work.
Ms Gillespie acknowledged too many officers are tied up with bureaucratic duties, but said an action plan was underway to address the issue.
"I would think that, in the weeks and months ahead, people will see changes were we will see officers moved out of admin functions and into frontline services," she said.
According to the 'restricted' report, only intended for PSNI personnel, Northern Ireland is not receiving "an effective 24-hour policing service".
The frankly worded document, which forms part of senior command's five year strategic view for the force, said officers were not deployed when and where needed.
"There is little evidence of the PSNI having an over-arching crime prevention strategy," the report stated.
Fighting the causes of crime was being hampered by "insufficient information", senior officers suggested.
A growing "9 to 5 culture" had emerged within the force, which the report said should be revised.
It was also indicated that the number of PSNI officers could be reduced by 500, from the current level of 7500, due to budget cuts.
Issues raised within the report will be discussed at the next Northern Ireland Policing Board meeting.
UUP MLA and Policing Board member Basil McCrea said there was a sense fewer officers are 'on the beat'.
"This is not really a critique of the police but the environment we put the police into," he said.
"If we put them into a compliance orientated culture where there is more emphasis being placed on filling in forms about crime than actually solving crime - this is a challenge to society and the oversight bodies, not just to the police."
SDLP Policing Spokesperson Alex Attwood said the leaked report should as "a catalyst for a new phase of deep reform" to policing.
"The problem is not the demands of oversight and accountability as some claim. The problem is reluctance by some within the police service to agree the changes and strategies that get officers behind desks out onto the ground.
"This resistance must be acknowledged and firmly addressed," he said.
Mr Attwood said the timing of this report is "no coincidence", claiming some political and policing elements who want "to do damage" to outgoing Chief Constable Hugh Orde.
"No-one should doubt what the motivation of some has been in leaking this document and no-one should give any comfort to those who still can’t live with Patten or the many changes in policing over the last seven years."
(PR/GK)
The Province's second highest ranking police officer has said an action plan is in place to cut down on bureaucracy within the service.
Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie conceded changes are needed to ensure more officers are involved in frontline policing.
DCC Gillespie (pictured) was responding to a leaked report, which suggested 61% of officers spent their time in stations dealing with administration work.
Ms Gillespie acknowledged too many officers are tied up with bureaucratic duties, but said an action plan was underway to address the issue.
"I would think that, in the weeks and months ahead, people will see changes were we will see officers moved out of admin functions and into frontline services," she said.
According to the 'restricted' report, only intended for PSNI personnel, Northern Ireland is not receiving "an effective 24-hour policing service".
The frankly worded document, which forms part of senior command's five year strategic view for the force, said officers were not deployed when and where needed.
"There is little evidence of the PSNI having an over-arching crime prevention strategy," the report stated.
Fighting the causes of crime was being hampered by "insufficient information", senior officers suggested.
A growing "9 to 5 culture" had emerged within the force, which the report said should be revised.
It was also indicated that the number of PSNI officers could be reduced by 500, from the current level of 7500, due to budget cuts.
Issues raised within the report will be discussed at the next Northern Ireland Policing Board meeting.
UUP MLA and Policing Board member Basil McCrea said there was a sense fewer officers are 'on the beat'.
"This is not really a critique of the police but the environment we put the police into," he said.
"If we put them into a compliance orientated culture where there is more emphasis being placed on filling in forms about crime than actually solving crime - this is a challenge to society and the oversight bodies, not just to the police."
SDLP Policing Spokesperson Alex Attwood said the leaked report should as "a catalyst for a new phase of deep reform" to policing.
"The problem is not the demands of oversight and accountability as some claim. The problem is reluctance by some within the police service to agree the changes and strategies that get officers behind desks out onto the ground.
"This resistance must be acknowledged and firmly addressed," he said.
Mr Attwood said the timing of this report is "no coincidence", claiming some political and policing elements who want "to do damage" to outgoing Chief Constable Hugh Orde.
"No-one should doubt what the motivation of some has been in leaking this document and no-one should give any comfort to those who still can’t live with Patten or the many changes in policing over the last seven years."
(PR/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
11 December 2017
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
08 November 2010
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
13 February 2003
Code of ethics introduced for PSNI
A code of ethics for the PSNI was launched by the Policing Board today – the first such initiative for policing in the British Isles. The code sets out standards of conduct and practice for all PSNI officers and makes police officers aware of the rights and obligations arising out of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Code of ethics introduced for PSNI
A code of ethics for the PSNI was launched by the Policing Board today – the first such initiative for policing in the British Isles. The code sets out standards of conduct and practice for all PSNI officers and makes police officers aware of the rights and obligations arising out of the European Convention on Human Rights.
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.
-
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.
