Operating Protocols

The whole process is underpinned by contact and liaison with families, with full support from PSNI and close links with other agencies, including the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, the Forensic Science Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Office.

As a general rule, cases are examined on the basis of when they happened, starting with the earliest cases. There are some exceptions, for example, linked cases or those already re-opened.

The process of case examination involves several stages:

Collection and Assessment. This includes the recovery and examination of existing records and exhibits.
Review. Here cases are examined to determine whether any further investigative or evidential opportunities exist.
Re-investigation. This involves further investigative work which focuses on the issues identified by the review process.
Judicial proceedings. Where possible in appropriate cases or, alternatively, resolution.

The whole process is underpinned by contact and liaison with families.

The Historical Enquiries Team has full support from within the Police Service. We maintain close links with other agencies, including the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, the Forensic Science Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Office, which is funding this initiative.

We also liaise with non-government organisations (NGO’s) and other representative groups as appropriate, and take advantage of any support that they can offer.