More 'transparency' needed in how police deal with 'low level crime'

They can cover areas like drugs, theft and violence against a person

A review has called for "greater transparency" around how the police use community resolution notices (CRNs) to deal with thousands of crimes each year in Northern Ireland.

The notices are used to speed up justice by avoiding court proceedings and do not result in a criminal record.

Last year, they were used to resolve 6,600 "low-level" crimes, including a small number of domestic abuse and hate crime cases.

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it recognised the observations and "are committed to continually reviewing" how policing can be improved.

'Sometimes it's what victims want'

The PSNI says they are most appropriate for "suspects who have little or no previous offending history"

The review found "instances" when their use was "wholly inappropriate", sometimes due to prior offending.

It was conducted by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.

Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Chief Criminal Justice Inspector Jacqui Durkan said: "There needs to be more oversight... about how CRNs are being used in each police district where there are variations between districts" and what that means "for the disposal of crime in that particular area."

She said she "remains concerned" about the use of CRNs for "domestic offences between intimate partners".

She is also concerned, she said, about hate crime offences where they are used, but added that "sometimes it's what victims want, they want a swift solution and don't want to go to court, waiting months or sometimes years for a resolution or outcome to a case".

What are CRNs?

CRNs were introduced in 2016 and were formerly known as discretionary disposals.

They can involve an offender making an apology and cover offence areas like drugs, theft and violence against a person.

Ch Insp Jacqui Durkin said out-of-court disposals can be "an effective way" to deal with less serious crimes.

But she added their use had to be "right and proportionate".

The review made several recommendations designed to strengthen oversight and provide assurances about how the police use CRNs.

Ms Durkin called for clarity on whether victims are satisfied with CRNs, and if their use helps prevent reoffending.

She added: "It is also important the PSNI assures itself that domestic abuse and hate crimes should be retained on the list of offences suitable for a CRN, albeit with additional safeguards in place."

Ch Supt Gary McDonald, who is the head of the PSNI's justice branch, said the CRNS encourage an offender to think about their behaviour and can be most appropriate for those who have little to no previous relevant offending history.

He added: "We will now take time to consider this report in detail with the intention to work with our multi-agency partners to deliver upon these strategic and operational recommendations."