The Northern Ireland Policing Board has published the 2026 Independent Community Observer Annual Report.
Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan said:
This is a key part of ensuring equity in the police constable assessment process and the volunteers who carry out this role for us provide assurance and insight.
I’d like to thank all of the Independent Community Observers who take the time to carry out this role and contribute to our oversight work in this area.
Independent Community Observers (ICOs) are impartial volunteers who observe and report to the Policing Board on key aspects of the PSNI’s recruitment process for Police Constables. They ensure that the same procedures are applied to all candidates and that facilities and arrangements are adequate. Their feedback means that the Board can ensure that the processes for police recruitment are fair and equitable for all candidates.
Ends
For further information contact the Board’s Communications team by emailing information@nipolicingboard.org.uk
Notes to editors
- The role of Independent Community Observers is set out in Section 10 of the Police (Recruitment) (NI) Regulations 2001 with the Scheme managed and administered by the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
- The report can be read here: https://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/publication/independent-community-observer-annual-report-2026-psni-recruitment-campaign