HMIC has a statutory obligation, under section 41 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, to inspect and report to the Department at least once every year on the efficiency and effectiveness of the PSNI, the PSNI Reserve and police support staff.
During 2015/16, HMIC conducted two inspections: one on efficiency and one focussed on the vulnerability strand of effectiveness. The final reports were presented to the Justice Minister by HMIC and are attached in full.
In line with normal practice, the reports have been shared with the Policing Board and the Chief Constable for consideration and a response, which will be published in due course.
In publishing the reports, the Justice Minister Claire Sugden said “I am grateful to the Inspectorate for the work that has gone into these inspections. The reports and their findings are very timely and will helpfully inform the way forward in terms of ensuring that the PSNI, and indeed the wider justice sector, works effectively with other organisations, within and beyond Government, to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.”