PSNI confidence 'at record level'

Public confidence in the police has reached record levels with almost 70% of people saying they are doing a good job, a Policing Board survey indicates.

The findings, published on Thursday, found that 93% of those questioned feel very or fairly safe in their community.

Policing Board Chairman Sir Desmond Rea said the results exceeded targets set by the board.

"Overall these results are very positive and it is good news that people are feeling safer," he said.

The survey looked into the public perception of the service delivered by the police, the Policing Board and District Policing Partnerships.

"Eighty six per cent of respondents have some, a lot or total confidence in the PSNI's ability to provide a day-to-day policing service for everyone in Northern Ireland," said Sir Desmond.

"This exceeds the target of 84% set by the board in the latest policing plan."

The survey also found that just over three fifths of those questioned felt that the police did a very or fairly good job of policing their local area.

However, only 30% of respondents who had heard of the Policing Board thought that it did well or very well in consulting the public on policing issues.

"The results on the effectiveness of the board present a mixed view from the community and I acknowledge that there is still some work to be done on public opinion," said the policing board chairman.