Under the provisions of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000, HMIC is required to carry out an annual inspection of the PSNI. This is called a Baseline Assessment which provides a strategic overview of PSNI’s strengths and areas for improvement.
The most recent Baseline Assessment report which measured PSNI performance was published in March 2007. The assessment provides a comprehensive overview of PSNI performance across seven overarching areas of activity:
- citizen focus;
- reducing crime;
- investigating crime;
- promoting safety;
- providing assistance;
- resource use and
- leadership and direction.
The Policing Board monitors the implementation of the recommendations from the Baseline Assessment report through its various Committees.
In addition to the Baseline Assessment reports, HMIC publish thematic reports. During 2006/07 they carried out thematics into the areas of Human Resources and Personnel and Training and Protective Services.
Further information on the work of HMIC and its reports in relation to PSNI can be found on the HMIC website.