Following the publication of the latest Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland inspection report into Public Protection Arrangements in Northern Ireland (PPANI), Chair of the PPANI Strategic Management Board, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman, said:
“We welcome this positive inspection report acknowledging that the PPANI partnership is the best example of inter-agency and cross-departmental working within the criminal justice sector.”
“The safety of the public is paramount and the Public Protection Arrangements in Northern Ireland involves co-operation between a number of agencies including Police, Probation Service, Social Services, Prison Service, Housing Executive and NSPCC. Collaboratively these agencies work together to risk assess and manage the risk posed by sexual and certain violent offenders in the community.
“Indeed, staff from PSNI, PBNI and Social Services are co-located as part of a multi-agency Public Protection Team which allows for a joined up approach in managing the risk posed by the highest category of offender and ensures a consistent level of risk management for this group of offenders who represent the greatest cause for concern to communities.
“The management of sexual and violent offenders is a priority for us all and this report demonstrates the effectiveness of partners working collaboratively to address any risks posed.
“The small number of recommendations resulting from the inspection, which took place in 2017, have already been addressed – some are fully actioned and others are already in progress.
“We will continue to work together and strive to be an example of best practice.”
