Why is Tenure Policy necessary?
The Tenure Policy is a recommendation of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten). It is designed to make sure that officers do not become so highly specialised in any given area that they lose sight of core policing functions.
When developing the policy, PSNI took account of the experience of UK services and the policy is now flexible enough to meet the Patten need while recognising the need for “professionalised policing”. The Policing Board will monitor and review PSNI's implementation of the policy.
Does the Policing Board set targets in terms of sickness absence that PSNI have to meet?
Yes. As part of its monitoring role every year the Policing Board establishes targets for the management of Sickness Absence for police officers and civilian support staff which the Chief Constable seeks to attain as part of the Policing Plan. This area continues to be monitored every four months by the Human Resources Committee.
What is the Policing Board’s role in respect of complaints?
The Police Ombudsman investigates complaints against police officers below the rank of Assistant Chief Constable (ACC). The Policing Board is the disciplinary authority for officers at ACC rank and above.
