In recent presentations the Chief Constable has referred to the PSNI being more responsive, visible and accessible. Could the Chief Constable outline further the role envisaged for Engagement Leads within the PSNI in contributing to this greater responsiveness, visibility and accessibility.
I am determined to improve confidence in policing across Northern Ireland by ensuring that we provide a responsive, visible and accessible service that is victim focussed.
To achieve this we must show that we care for the public, listen to their concerns and act upon them. This responsiveness will be supported by greater visibility. Initially, our visibility will be increased once we deliver the 400 new Neighbourhood Officers by the end of March 2020. In recognising the realities of 21st century service delivery, we will seek to improve the means to access police services, both online and in person. This will include a review of our 101 contact centres, online channels of communication and reporting, and the accessibility to our estate.
Policing will continue to be delivered locally via the 11 District model, with identifiable local leadership to lead engagement with the communities they serve and local partners. However, it is not just for local engagement leads to deliver upon this, as it will be the responsibility of all to contribute to this new tone and style.
In order to better understand the views and concerns of victims and other members of the public who contact us and then respond to them, I have asked colleagues to consider how better survey data may be obtained that will capture the experience of those who contact us on an end to end basis. This can then be used to inform how we improve our services.