April - June

“The ways in which a police service makes itself accessible to members of the public and how it manages that first encounter is critical in helping to create confidence in the service user,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has published its Corporate Plan for 2012-2015 and its Business Plan for 2012-2013.

“We found that the PPS has taken important steps forward in the development of its policies and procedures regarding the giving of reasons to victims on prosecution decisions and found many examples of good practice,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

“There are many challenges to providing high quality courthouses that are accessible and meet the needs of users now and in the future but what is plain is that a pragmatic solution and a realistic way forward must be sought,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

“It is widely accepted that many people who are the victims of, or witnesses to crimes, find the criminal justice process stressful and fear-inducing. Special measures are of vital importance in helping vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

Dr Michael Maguire was one of a number of speakers who addressed the PPANI Special Interest Seminar entitled ‘It’s Good to Talk’ – Communication within and between Agencies, which was held in the Ramada Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast.

The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland in a follow-up to a report, published in November 2010 into mistaken prisoner releases, has stated that there has been significant effort by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) however there is disappointed at the overall pace of change.