PSNI ‘must do more to protect vulnerable victims’, inspectors find

The Police Service of Northern Ireland must do more to protect and support vulnerable victims of crime, inspectors have found.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has raised concerns with how the PSNI handles cases involving child sexual exploitation, missing children and domestic abuse.

Inspectors highlighted evidence of good practice in the PSNI's dealings with vulnerable victims but said more needed to be done to strengthen other aspects of its work.

We do have concerns with how the force responds to and protects vulnerable victims. In particular we were concerned to see inconsistencies in how staff recognise and assess vulnerability. I am encouraged that leadership of the force has made the protection of vulnerable people a clear priority. We will continue to monitor how this commitment results in improved service for vulnerable victims.

The Department of Justice commissioned HMIC to carry out these inspections as part of annual assessments of police performance. HMIC will carry out further inspections in 2016/17.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said it fully accepts the findings from the inspections.

Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said the PSNI is committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society.

Vulnerability is not an issue which the PSNI can deal with alone and HMIC has recognised the positive relationships that exist with a wide range of partner agencies.

The Policing Board will be briefed on the recommendations on Thursday afternoon.

Board Chair Anne Connolly said: “Given the focus, priority and commitment that the PSNI has given to keeping people safe and ensuring the protection of vulnerable people, it is disappointing that inconsistency in approach across a number of areas has been identified.

"The Board will now consider the reports in detail with the Chief Constable and actions that need to be taken to redress the areas that require improvement."