UUP Policing Spokesperson comments on CBRJ Protocols Publication
Giving his initial response to today’s CBRJ Protocols, Ulster Unionist Policing Spokesperson Fred Cobain has welcomed the fact that David Hanson has readily admitted previous guidelines “did not get it right”, but warned that the Minister may find reason to repeat that statement after the 12-weeks consultation is concluded.
In a statement, the North Belfast MLA said: “David Hanson has conceded that government got it wrong with their previous guidelines, and stated that he has now published a robust new protocol. He was spot on with the former, but way off with the latter.
“Nonetheless, the Minister’s open and unqualified assessment of critical failings is welcome. Indeed, the Minister seems to have listened to a few of the broad criticisms.
“When the draft restorative justice guidelines were published in December I said that the proposals contained numerous grey areas and loopholes; that it was a loose system which practically invited manipulation. Indeed, Mr Hanson said that the first draft guidelines were not robust enough to command public confidence.
“One of the most fundamental failings was that offences could be reported through a third party – that police could be bypassed. That is completely unacceptable. I am pleased to see that, when reporting offences, there must now be a direct engagement with police.”
He added: “The UUP position has always been that the restorative justice concept is valuable but it must be done right. Policing must be central to the entire process. Today, the Minister has said that “the centrality of the police to the way in which schemes operate is non-negotiable”. That is to be welcomed.
“But at first sight there are elements which still have not been got right. The Protocol does not encompass schemes’ “other activities”. What is meant by the full gamut of ‘other activities’? What guidelines operate in relation to non-criminal cases? Leaving this open to “review in light of operational experience” is anything but robust.
“To deal with cases, “an advisory panel may be formed” involving the PSNI. Will it be formed or not?
“Also, the CBRJ suitability panel will be “comprised of representatives of relevant statutory bodies and will receive information from the police”. This implies that police are not part of this panel.
“Arrangements for determining the suitability of persons working on schemes was one of the major concerns that came out of the previous consultation. Surely ensuring police representation on this panel would resolve that?
“The Ulster Unionist Party will consider more closely the implications of this protocol before making its complete response to the consultation.”