Question
Of the 19,288 stop and searches in 20241 45% were to children and young people (under 25 years) but in Northern Ireland, approximately 32.6% of the population is under 25 years old. Therefore, children are overrepresented. Latest statistics from the search cards indicate that 17% are CNR and 7% are PUL, so CNR youths are stopped 2.5 times more than PUL kids.
What effect do you think this had on the CNR community who make up only 1 in 3 officers and 1 in 5 staff in PSNI?
With only a 5% arrest rate for children and young people stopped, what effect do you think this had on young people who might aspire to a career in policing?
How do you intend to prevent dissident groups from using this narrative to their advantage in perpetuating resistance to policing, and careers in the service, in CNR communities?
Answer
In Northern Ireland, under the Children and Young Persons (NI) Act 1968, a Child is defined as being under 14 years old and Young People are defined as being up to 17 years old. As a result the NISRA statistics regarding stop and search on Children and Young people relate to under 18 year olds, not those under 25. Figures in the question posed conflate the under 18 statistics with the 18 to 25 statistics.
There are many outcomes available to police designed to divert young people away from the Criminal Justice system such as community resolution, reporting to the PPS or the issue of penalty notices for disorder etc. all of which are designed to mitigate the requirement for an arrest
The figures quoted in the question referencing Catholic, Nationalist, Republican (CNR) and Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist (PUL) communities and relate to the Community Background Monitoring Pilot (CBM) which includes all age ranges. The CBM pilot relates to stop searches carried out solely under the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007 and Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT) powers. No Community Background data is recorded relating to stop searches under other powers. The majority of under 18s stopped are searched under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 (PACE) and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
No conclusions can be drawn regarding the community background of under 18 year olds stopped and searched under all powers at this stage by extrapolating from the data adduced from JSA and TACT activities. It is also important to note that the majority of individuals refuse to provide their community background when asked under the pilot and where it is recorded they are very small numbers, and as a result the figures are not representative of the community background of the majority of those asked.
The PSNI understands that the application of policing powers affects all our communities. We seek to exercise our powers in a lawful, proportionate and accountable way through the fair application and robust governance of all policing powers. We welcome and fully participate in discussions surrounding this issue with our partners especially the NIPB. Where data indicates any form of disproportionately the PSNI will always seek greater analysis which is used to influence our approach. Whilst effective use of our powers is safeguarded by dip sampling by front line supervisors we remain open to consideration of additional measure which could enhance community confidence.
The PSNI has additional accountability systems in place including the Service Accountability Panel (SAP). The SAP provides community-focused scrutiny regarding the use of policing powers including Stop and Search. SAP members include Independent Advisory Group members.
The SAP aims to improve public confidence and consistency of service delivery through improved accountability. Specifically it serves to monitor and evaluate the use of police powers to identify any adverse differential impact they may have with regards to Section 75 categories as well as supporting and holding to account policy leads in these areas to ensure police powers are being used fairly, impartially and effectively.
The PSNI supports a wide range of engagement within all our communities around recruitment which are intended to encourage applications from suitable candidates from all community backgrounds. Countering the narrative of Dissident Republican Groups is a key function of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and highlights the importance of ensuring a properly funded Police Service which has the capacity to engage effectively across the Province.
Further Context
Figures in the question posed conflate the under 18 statistics with the 18 to 25 statistics.
To clarify [During the reporting period 1 January 2024 and 31st December 2024] a total of 19,288 persons were stop searched in NI. Stop Searches on Children and Young People under 18 years accounted for 8% of the total stops (1,606). In Northern Ireland 23% of the population is under 18.
Outcomes: of those 1,606 under 18s stopped and searched/questioned, 4% were arrested. An additional 15% received another form of outcome (i.e. community resolution, reported to the PPS or penalty notice for disorder). Therefore in total 19% of searches resulted in some form of outcome.
There are many available outcomes available to police designed to divert young people away from the Criminal Justice system Le. community resolution, reported to the PPS or penalty notice for disorder etc. all of which are designed to not lead to an arrest. To allow for more accurate comparison, using figures which do not include J&S data, PSNI arrest under 18s at a lower rate than E&W and use diversions away from the CJ system on under 18s at a higher rate than E&W. This indicates police are using multiple diversions proportionately and in the best interest of the child.
To compare outcomes with England and Wales NISRA have produced figures removing the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007 statistics (such powers are unavailable in E&W) from the total figures. During the 12 month period between 1 January 2024 and 31st December 2024, a total of 16,644 persons were stopped and searched. Of these, 9% (1,528) were aged under 18.
Outcomes: (removing the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007 statistics) of those 1,528 under 18 year olds stopped and searched/questioned, 5% were arrested and an additional 16% received another form of outcome (i.e. community resolution, reported to the PPS or penalty notice for disorder). Therefore in total 21% of searches resulted in some form of outcome.
By comparison, 21% of all persons stopped and searched in England and Wales during the 12 month period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (latest available statistics) were aged under 18. Of these, 10% resulted in arrest and an additional 7% resulted in one of the following outcome: caution, community resolution, penalty notice for disorder, summons, khat / cannabis warning. Therefore in total 17% resulted in some form of outcome.
Kate Laverty