Further Information about the PSNI Test Purchasing of Alcohol Scheme
In 2007 the Northern Ireland Office carried out an equality screening on the test purchase of alcohol power and then undertook a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) and public consultation in April 2008.
Consequently a number of important principles underpin the police policy for test purchasing of alcohol. These include:
- The young person and their parent, guardian or carer must fully understand the nature of the task involved and any participation must be entirely voluntary. In addition, both the young person and their parent, guardian or carer must provide their full written consent.
- The children of police officers, licensees, elected members or any person exercising public functions are not eligible to participate in the test purchase of alcohol scheme.
- All eligible young persons who wish to participate in the test purchase of alcohol scheme can obtain an initial registration of interest form from the Police Service website.
- The selection process will maintain the anonymity of all young persons involved.
- All young persons who are selected will have successfully undergone a suitability and background check and their GP will have provided confirmation they can participate in the scheme.
- The anonymity of the young person and their family is a fundamental consideration within the scheme. Young persons will not become involved or be utilised in test purchase of alcohol operations in any area where they are likely to be recognised. A number of other safeguards will also be in place before a young person becomes involved in test purchase of alcohol operations.
- A same gender chaperone will be assigned to have overall responsibility for ensuring the welfare and safety of the young persons during their time with the police. All officers involved in test purchase of alcohol operations will also have undertaken child protection training.
- The young persons can indicate at any time if they do not wish to continue taking part or being involved in the test purchase of alcohol scheme.
- After a test purchase operation has been completed, the views, comments and suggestions of all young persons involved will be fully recorded. This will assist the police to continuously improve the scheme and inform a review of the policy.
