Inspection of offence investigation and criminal case processing by NI Departments and Organisations has been published

CJI’s Inspection of offence investigation and criminal case processing by Northern Ireland Departments and Organisations has been published today (Wednesday 11 June 2025). The Inspection looked at the work of the work of six organisations that investigate and prosecute criminal cases including some of the most serious offences and public safety issues in Northern Ireland. 

The organisations inspected were the Benefit Security Division and Child Maintenance Service in the Department for Communities, Veterinary Service Animal Health in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Tourism NI, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service in the Department for the Economy.

The Inspection Team looked at the strategy, policy, enforcement and engagement activities in each inspected organisation and how these shaped their approach to investigating and prosecuting criminal cases.

‘‘Investigating crime and bringing offenders to justice in Northern Ireland reaches into many aspects of our lives and far beyond policing. It involves a range of Northern Ireland Civil Service Departments, Arm’s Length Bodies and organisations with statutory powers aimed at upholding the law and keeping us safe. While they involve a small percentage of all criminal prosecutions, they include some of the most serious offences and public safety issues.’’

– Jacqui Durkin, CJI Chief Inspector