Question
The recent HMIC Report “The PSNI: An Inspection of how well the Service treats its workforce and the people of Northern Ireland” recommended that an area for improvement for the PSNI was its recording of its use of force data. Can the Chief Constable update the Board on the progress that has been made to date in relation to improving the recording system for use of force and improving the quality and accuracy of the data?
Answer
The current Use of Force Reporting System was built by an external service provider and is maintained by the PSNI. Currently, any modifications to the system are done by our external provider. We are now examining technical solutions to enable us to integrate the current Use of Force Monitoring System with PSNI systems. This will include the introduction of a mobile-based app. Information and Communications Services (ICS) are currently at the business and process analysis phase of this project.
A mobile-based app will give officers the opportunity to record any use of force promptly without the need to return to a police station to access the system on a Common Terminal. Immediate access to the Use of Force System will help maintain accuracy and compliance.
It is hoped that integrating the Use of Force System with current PSNI systems will allow platforms like NICHE and Controlworks to prompt officers to complete Use of Force forms. The Use of Force form should also auto-populate, thereby increasing compliance and accuracy.
ICS are also considering a reporting functionality within the Use of Force System to allow for ad hoc analysis and scrutiny of data to ensure thorough auditing of statistics.
In the interim, officers are periodically reminded of their obligations in respect of recording any use of force. On 11 September 2020 a Service wide instruction was sent out to remind all officers to ensure they complete Use of Force Forms where applicable, particularly highlighting the need to report lower levels of force (use of limb restraints/ handcuffing and unarmed physical tactics). The internal PSNI internet pages (POINT) were also updated to include a Use of Force Guidance document and an updated version of the policy document on Use of Force (Chapter 3 of the Conflict Management Manual). A link to the test system for the Use of Force System is also available to officers on POINT to allow them to become familiar with the reporting system.
Performance Committee