POLICING MATTERS. Northern Ireland Policing Board. Discussing Accountability for the National Crime Agency. pgs 2-3. Policing Cybercrime.

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1 POLICING MATTERS Focusing on the Board s work and policing issues across Northern Ireland Discussing Accountability for the National Crime Agency pgs 2-3 Policing Cybercrime pg 4 Consulting on the Policing Plan pg 6

2 POLICING MATTERS 02 The Board is an independent body made up of 19 Members to ensure for all the people of Northern Ireland the delivery of an effective, efficient, accountable and impartial police service which will secure the confidence of the whole community by reducing crime and the fear of crime. Click here to see the Board membership How to contact us: Waterside Tower 31 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG Tel: Fax: information@nipolicingboard.org.uk Textphone: Web: visit Disclaimer: Neither the nor its consultants will be held liable for any inaccuracies that may be contained within this document. Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly, Director of the National Crime Agency Keith Bristow and Chief Constable George Hamilton discuss the oversight and accountability framework for the operation of the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. Discussing accountability for the National Crime Agency The Board has taken the first formal step in shaping how it will oversee the work of the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. At the April meeting, members met with the NCA Director General Keith Bristow where discussions focused on the accountability framework. FRONT COVER CAPTION Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly (centre) presents the Code of Ethics to the Director of the National Crime Agency Keith Bristow. Pictured with Chief Constable George Hamilton. continued...

3 POLICING MATTERS 03 continued... Legislation sets out the key statutory duties of the Board and a Memorandum of Understanding is being developed which outlines the accountability duties and responsibilities of the Director General of the NCA to the Board. The day to day work of the NCA with the PSNI will also be governed by a series of Memorandums of Understanding, all of which will be reviewed by the Board. The Board will hold the Chief Constable accountable for the authorisation of NCA operations and a new target has been set in the Policing Plan for the efficient and effective exercise of the MOUs between the NCA and PSNI. Pointing out the significant amount of work ahead for the Board to put arrangements and measures in place to support this scrutiny role, Board Chair Anne Connolly said: The Board welcomes the new oversight role in respect of NCA operations and a robust accountability framework is being finalised to provide assurance around this. The first meeting with the Director General provided the opportunity to discuss how the oversight arrangements will operate from 20 May Officers working in the NCA will be required to operate in accordance with the Code of Ethics currently in place for PSNI officers and the Director General is also charged, as far as is practicable, of making sure that the provisions of the Code of Ethics are reflected in the disciplinary procedures applicable to his officers. Any complaints in respect of NCA officers will be subject to investigation by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. In addition to the scrutiny measures agreed to provide assurance around the operation and work of the NCA in Northern Ireland, Members also want to make sure that the particular expertise and capacity that NCA will bring to policing operations here is measured and value for money achieved. Want to be a Custody Visitor? If you live in the We will soon be advertising for people Tyrone/Fermanagh to join the Tyrone/Fermanagh team area and have an and while we want applications from interest in the rights across the community. We particularly of people in custody, welcome applications from women read on who are currently underrepresented in the scheme. You may know already that the Policing Board operates If this is something you would a Custody Visiting Scheme where be interested in, please contact us at volunteers go in pairs to Custody custodyvisiting@nipolicingboard.org.uk Suites and evaluate the conditions or Applications will be in which a person is held. They write available on the Board s website on 11th up their findings and report back May and you have until 12 noon on Friday to the Board. This gives us a truly 29th May to complete your application. independent picture of how people are being treated in custody To find out more about the scheme, and is an important part of our accountability duties. Given particular Board and community To learn more about the role and concerns on the issue of Child Sexual work of the National Crime Agency, Exploitation, the Board will also be initiating a dedicated review of the policing of child sexual exploitation by the PSNI and the NCA. Northern Ireland Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Independent Custody Visiting are you interested? If you found yourself in custody, wouldn t you want someone to check on your welfare?

4 POLICING MATTERS 04 ACC Will Kerr responding to questions on cybercrime at a recent meeting of the Board s Performance Committee Policing Cybercrime One business every day in Northern Ireland reports an incident of cybercrime to the PSNI. Cybercrime has been an area of work the Board has been focusing on and this has resulted in changes to the PSNI approach to this area of policing. This includes changing the PSNI definition of what cybercrime actually is a crime the same as any other but carried out online to ensuring PSNI accurately record all incidents of cyber-enabled crime so they can better plan and prioritise their response to the evolving face of this crime. Last year the Board published the first research of its kind in Northern Ireland on the policing of cybercrime, which examined public concern and the police response. Findings showed that two thirds of internet users surveyed were worried about identity theft and online fraud and over half were concerned about crimes such as cyber bullying. The majority of those who had been a victim did not contact anyone to report the incident; although 69% said they would contact the PSNI in the future if they were to fall victim to cybercrime. In addition nearly three quarters of respondents didn t know what steps PSNI were taking to tackle cybercrime and educate the public about its risks. Jonathan Craig MLA, Chair of the Performance Committee which oversees this area of work, said: The police response to cybercrime and making sure the PSNI accurately record all incidents of cyber related crime has been a priority for the Board as has ensuring the PSNI plan and prioritise their response to this growing area of policing business. Whilst the establishment of a new Cyber Crime Centre and District ecrime Support Units by the PSNI is a positive move, Committee Members share the view that the resourcing of this area of work needs further assessment given the evolution of cybercrime and the opportunity for criminals to exploit technology for their own ends. A crime committed online is no different to a crime committed on the street and the police need to assure victims that those who engage in criminal activity online will be investigated and where appropriate prosecuted. Mr Craig pointed out that legislation to deal with online bullying and harassment is outdated and has not kept pace with technological changes in online communications. The Board wants to see an urgent review of the legislation and will host a multi-disciplinary seminar in Autumn this year to consider the future in terms of technology, potential threats to the public and importantly within the Board s accountability function how the police respond. Online bullying A new target has been set in the Policing Plan to establish levels of cyber bullying in Northern Ireland. To view the Policing Plan 2/3 of internet users were worried about identity theft and online fraud. 1 Business every day in Northern Ireland reports an incident of cybercrime to the PSNI. 69% of victims said they would contact the PSNI in the future. To report a cybercrime to the PSNI To see the Board s research Public confidence in the policing of Cybercrime To find out more about online safety

5 POLICING MATTERS 05 Board Meeting News The PSNI Demand Wheel Due to the elections on 7 May 2015, the Board Meeting in Public was rescheduled to Thursday 30 April. In her opening remarks, Board Chair Anne Connolly condemned the recent attacks on police officers in both Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. The Chief Constable provided details of each attack and gave assurance that those who choose to use violence to do harm in the community will continue to be professionally and steadfastly investigated and brought before the Courts. The Wh In Demand At the meeting, the Chief Constable briefed the Board on how policing resources are being prioritised and used a visual map to highlight the variety of issues the police deal with over a 24 hour period. The Demand Wheel illustrates the breath and depth of demand faced by the police on any average day and the Chief Constable told the Board that it shows the work done by the police is much broader than is often visible to the public and recorded in crime statistics. He said that dealing with an average of 1338 calls for service during a 24 hour period, 4.4% of which are emergencies, makes it impossible for police to be everywhere at once. He explained that the demand on policing means that the PSNI must prioritise demand according to levels of threat, harm, risk and opportunity and, for example, that less urgent demands such as fly tipping or a stolen bike will not get the same response as a domestic abuse incident. The Chief Constable also noted that the demands on the PSNI are changing and increasing in complexity in areas such as cybercrime and it is important that the public understand this.

6 POLICING MATTERS 06 Board Meeting News continued Next Board Meetings. The next two Board Meetings in public will take place on 4th and 25th June. Questions to the Chief Constable Reporting that on average the PSNI deal with a hate motivated call for service every 3 hours, the Chief Constable confirmed that this crime type has now been designated as a strategic priority. Whilst it is encouraging that more people are now reporting hate crime incidents - 31% increase in the past year - Members leadership to reduce police officer sickness where necessary to bring these people Other issues raised at the meeting included raised questions on police plans to by the 25% target set by the Board in the to justice. police officers failing to follow up evidence, reduce this crime across communities. ACC Stephen Martin recognised that a long-term solution with multiagency involvement was needed. Policing Plan. During the meeting, the Chief Constable was also questioned about how the police were tackling loyalist paramilitary activity With a total of 22 deaths on the road this year road safety and the impact of past changes to the Roads Policing Unit were discussed. ACC Todd highlighted the obligations to refer matters to the Police Ombudsman s Office, and the additional cost of policing a divided society. To view footage of the Meeting in Public, In response to a question on the average (and specifically in North Antrim) and if work currently being undertaken by number of officers off work each day, the assistance would be sought from the NCA. the unit including cross border work Chief Constable confirmed that the figure was approximately 400. Acknowledging In response, he told Members that the NCA would add another dimension to the with An Garda Síochána. He also gave Members enforcement figures for the To view written answers to Chief Constable questions, that radical action was needed to reduce response. Organised criminality committed first quarter of 2015 which included sickness levels, he explained that the figure by paramilitaries such as smuggling, drug issuing 2085 speeding offences, 2011 included officers injured on duty. He assured Members that work was being undertaken dealing and counterfeiting is well within the remit of the NCA and the Chief Constable for dangerous driving, 1581 for mobile phone use and 1249 offences for To view the Chief Constable s report to Board Members, through the Deputy Chief Constable s confirmed that their services will be used driving without insurance.

7 POLICING MATTERS 07 Board commences Policing Plan consultation As part of the process to develop the Northern Ireland Policing Plan, the Board is undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on the Plan and has commenced a wider public consultation which will focus on identifying policing priorities for the period. Speaking about the consultation process, Board Chair Anne Connolly said: Developing the annual Policing Plan is a key statutory role for the Board as it sets the strategic policing priorities and objectives for the period ahead and includes targets and measures for the PSNI to achieve. It is important that the Plan reflects community needs and we are keen to reach and engage with as many people as possible to hear views. We want to find out not just about the impact of the Plan in respect of equality legislation, but also feedback on what the policing priorities should be for the next 3 years. It is of course a challenging time for policing, particularly given the pressures on resources. This makes it even more important to effectively identify what the police need to do and where police activity should be focused across communities to keep people safe. I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to help shape policing in the coming years, be it as a member of the public, community group or voluntary organisation. Your views count and we want to hear them. The consultation process will include an online questionnaire, targeted meetings, a series of focus groups and a public meeting in Craigavon. For information on how to respond to the EQIA Consultation Report, To complete the online questionnaire, Your Views Matter As part of the wider public consultation on the development of the Policing Plan the Board is organising a public meeting in the Islandview Room, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon, BT66 6NJ on Wednesday 17 June 2015 from 7pm. At the event, which is open to everyone, you will get an opportunity to question the Board Chair and Senior PSNI officers on policing issues. You will also get a chance to take part in an interactive survey and participate in round table discussions.

8 POLICING MATTERS 08 Talking Resources Part time officers People Strategy At the April meeting of the Board s Resources Committee, Members questioned the PSNI on the HMIC review on Responding to Austerity and plans being put in place to address the issues raised. The Review, which was commissioned by the Justice Minister to inspect the PSNI on plans to deal with current and future budget challenges, service resourcing and measures in place to deal with efficiencies in the future. The report contains three recommendations for the PSNI to address and report to the Board on. To view the Report, Board members have questioned the PSNI on plans to assess the positions of 460 part time Police Officers following a review of performance by the PSNI. This showed that many officers are falling short of the 144 hours necessary to qualify for the posts. Members expressed concerns about how the scheme has been operated and monitored. Questions were also raised about lessons learnt from the review and plans now in place to make sure the resource of part time officers is used effectively in the future. The Resources Committee meeting At the Board s recent Resources Committee, ACC Mark Hamilton outlined the steps that have been taked to refresh the PSNI People Strategy. PSNI reported that arrangements and timescales to deliver objectives will be developed and actioned. The PSNI will continue to report to the Committee every 6 months on performance against the new strategy. The aims of the strategy are to have a workforce which is reflective of the society the PSNI serves, distributed and deployed to deliver the agreed vision of policing; with the skills and experience necessary to deliver the agreed vision of policing; which feels valued and motivated to deliver the agreed vision of policing; and where a value for money policing service is delivered. The refresh of the strategy comes from a recommendation in the CJINI report Finding the Balance: matching human resources with priorities in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. To read the report, The PSNI s Director of Finance and Support Services David Best and Mark McNaughton take questions from the Board s Resources Committee.

9 POLICING MATTERS 09 Review Reports Published Keeping the focus on Human Rights compliance The 6th and most recent report by the Independent Reviewer of National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland Lord Carlile sets out his view of arrangements in the context of the ongoing security threat. Lord Carlile stresses the commitment from the St Andrew s Agreement that there should be no diminution of the PSNI s responsibility to comply with the Human Rights Act and that the Board will continue their role to monitor their compliance. In relation to the Board s current arrangements, Lord Carlile comments: I have also engaged with the Independent Human Rights Advisor to the (NIPB) and the Board itself. The Policing Board can feel reassured that the Human Rights Advisor is well able to discharge her duties in respect of national security. To read the main findings of the report, Small Unmanned Aircraft Review Report The Board recently considered a post-implementation review on the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft formerly known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones. The Board has requested that the PSNI report to the Committee every 6 months on how they are being operated and that the Board s Human Rights Advisor will continue to scrutinise how they are used including use for surveillance activity - to ensure police compliance with legislative requirements. To read the review report, Questions raised on CJINI Report Following a Criminal Justice Inspectorate follow-up review on the care and treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system which showed that 96% of recommendations have been implemented, Board Members have questioned the Chief Constable on his views of the findings. Members welcomed the substantial progress made particularly with regard to the introduction of Victim and Witness Care Units, but remain concerned that a high number of victims remain dissatisfied with the criminal justice system and the delays in their cases. To view the CJINI report on the care and treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, Injury on Duty Report The Board has published a review of the present arrangements for the payment of ill health pensions and injury on duty awards to former police officers. The Report, commissioned by the Board and produced by David Scoffield QC, contains a range of recommendations which the Board is progressing. To view the report,