Survey findings on the public’s perception of policing in Northern Ireland have been published. The Omnibus Survey also charts public opinions of the Policing Board, Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Speaking about the findings, Board Vice Chair Debbie Watters said: “This survey provides a useful snapshot of public opinion and the latest results continue to show a high level of confidence in our policing service.
86% of respondents indicated that they had some, a lot or total confidence in the PSNI’s ability to provide an ordinary day-to-day service for all of the people of Northern Ireland and, two thirds (68%) of respondents indicated that the police were doing a very/fairly good job in their area.
The Board and the PSNI are also currently progressing a public consultation on the future delivery of local policing services. It is important that people right across the community take the opportunity to have their say on the policing service being delivered and where they want to see resources prioritised and focused in the future.
Figures published in respect of the work of the Policing Board indicate a high level of awareness of the Board (85%) with just over two thirds of respondents (70%) thinking that the Board helps ensure the PSNI do a good job. Ms Watters said:
“In the absence of a legally constituted Board, I along with independent members have been working to keep the structures of police accountability in place. However, I hope that with the Secretary of State’s recent announcement on appointments, the Board will be fully operational again very soon so that its wide range of statutory duties in respect of policing oversight can be properly and fully discharged.”
The survey also reports on public perceptions of the role and work of the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) with 44% of respondents having heard of PCSPs and their work. Perceptions of the National Crime Agency (NCA) were also gathered with 58% of respondents having heard of the Agency and its work.
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For any further information please contact the Policing Board Communications Office on 07801738795.
Notes to Editors
1. Read the full report on the Board's website at the following link: /publications-search.
2. Omnibus Survey: The Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey is conducted twice 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 May 2018 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 1 May and 7 July 2018 with a total of 917 interviews which gave a response rate of 52%
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.”
4. Find out about the Local Policing Review 2018 consultation at psni.prioritysimulator.com or www.nipolicingboard.org.uk
Notes to Editors ends.