The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) welcomes the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) latest PEEL (Police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy) inspection.

The report grades PSNI as Adequate in the two areas inspected: attracting, developing and retaining the workforce and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and using powers fairly, appropriately and with justification.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “We welcome this latest independent assessment. It might seem unusual for anyone to welcome a grading of “adequate” but the inspection makes clear this performance comes in a context of long term budget reductions and uncertain funding arrangements.

“These have led to record low officer and staff numbers which HMICFRS has rightly recognised “has reduced the services overall capacity” and is contributing to “high levels of fatigue and burnout” among our workforce.

“This is sadly just the latest independent assessment of PSNI to set out the impact of our chronic underfunding and it’s in this context that even this level of performance is remarkable.

“I was particularly pleased to read the independent Inspectorate’s finding that PSNI’s use of force and stop and search powers was reasonable and proportionate and that our officers were found to have been professional and courteous while using these powers.

“Stop and search is a key tool for detecting and preventing crime and for keeping the community safe but we understand that its improper use can be controversial and undermine police legitimacy.

“I hope the public too can take some confidence from the finding that that stop and search and use of force were subject to robust and effective oversight and scrutiny.

“The Inspectors have acknowledged our continuing ambition to becoming fully representative of the community we serve as well as the innovative work ongoing to help families and loved ones support officers health and well-being.

“We value our people. They are our greatest resource. The Police Service is committed to continuously improving the range of health and wellbeing services and support we offer to officers and staff and significant work is ongoing in this area.

“HMRCFRS are right to have noted the “professionalism and dedication” of PSNI officers and staff and their “unwavering commitment to keeping people safe, preventing crime and providing victims with an effective service”. Our people and what they do is remarkable. We should all be proud of them.

“I want to thank His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Lee Freeman KPM and his team for their work and we will now consider how we take forward each the areas for improvement they have highlighted.”