PSNI is 'biggest spender on PR'

The PSNI spends more on PR than any other UK police force

The PSNI spends more on public relations and dealing with the press than any other police force in the UK.

Figures obtained by the Times have shown the force spends £99,501 annually per 100,000 of population on such services.

The Met and Northamptonshire police were the next biggest spenders (£85,629 and £80,138 respectively).

The PSNI said its media and PR team "through appeals has made a real difference in terms of solving crimes".

"Campaigns have also been run providing crime prevention advice and targeting those engaged in anti-social behaviour."

A PSNI spokeswoman said "policing in Northern Ireland also attracts considerable international interest".

"Last year, the press office received over 16,000 calls from Northern Ireland and UK media outlets and also from international journalists from all over the world."

Across the UK, a total of almost £40m is spent each year on PR and answering journalists' questions and queries.

Police in Derbyshire spent the least on press and PR (£12,566 annually per 100,000 of population).