The Policing Board has published the latest survey on the public’s perception of policing in Northern Ireland. The Omnibus Survey also charts public opinions of the Policing Board and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs).
Speaking about the findings, Board Chair Anne Connolly said: “One of the ways the Policing Board assesses the views of the community in relation to the policing structures is to seek their opinions through the Omnibus Survey.
88% of respondents indicated that they had either a total, a lot or some degree of confidence in the PSNI’s ability to provide an ordinary day-to-day service for all of the people of Northern Ireland and crucially, 91% indicating that they felt either very or fairly safe in their local community.
The findings also show that 75% of respondents feel the PSNI are doing either a very good or fairly good job, a figure which is increasing each year which is welcome news.”
The survey also reports on public perceptions on the role and work of the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and showed that just under half of respondents had heard of their work. Mrs Connolly said: “Disappointingly, whilst awareness of PCSPs is growing, the numbers remain relatively low. PCSPs continue to work hard within local areas to engage people with the police and tackle a range of issues affecting community safety.”
Speaking about the views respondents had about the Policing Board, Mrs Connolly said: “It is welcome that a high number of those questioned (85%) have heard of the Policing Board; 73% of whom believe the Board helps ensure that the PSNI do a good job, with 79% indicating that the Board is working either adequately, well or very well.
We will continue to meet the challenges of our accountability role and remain focused on ensuring the delivery of good, effective policing for our community. At a time of reducing resources and increasing demands on the PSNI, this scrutiny continues to be critically important.”
For the first time, perceptions of the National Crime Agency (NCA) were gathered with 54% of respondents having heard of the Agency. 68% of those indicated that it is working either adequately, well or very well.
Ends
For any further information please contact the Policing Board Communications Office on 07801738795.
Notes to Editors
1. The full report on the survey findings can be downloaded from the Board's website at the following link: www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/surveys
2. Omnibus Survey: The Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey is undertaken several times a year by the Central Survey Unit of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The findings above relate to the Policing Board module of the April 2016 Omnibus Survey.
The sample used for this survey comprised 2,200 randomly selected households across Northern Ireland drawn from the Land and Property Services Agency list of addresses. The survey was completed between 3rd and 29th May 2016 with a total of 1,020 interviews which gave a response rate of 46%.
3. Statutory Responsibility: Section 34 of the Justice Act (NI) 2011 sets out the functions of the Joint Committee (comprising representatives from the Board and DOJ) which oversees the work of PCSPs. It states in s34 1(a) “The Joint Committee must assess the level of public satisfaction with the performance of PCSPs.”
Notes to Editors ends.