The Policing Board has commended the PSNI for aspects of its performance but insisted "the people deserve better and the message to the police is that they must do better". The campaign to recruit more Catholics to the force was on course, it was stated.
Presenting the board's second annual report covering the 12 months to April 2003, Prof Des Rea, chairman, pointed to the need for the police to crack down on rising burglaries and theft from vehicle crimes. He also pointed out yesterday that the police service had not met targets for those charged with drugs offences.
Prof Rea said police performance had been affected by street violence during the 12 months under review, and by the continuing paramilitary threat.
"Ongoing changes to the structure and size of the police service, coupled with an increase in the amount of crime being committed, and dealing with last year's disorder - it is relatively easy to see why results have not been better," he said.
Police chiefs were praised for their successes. Targets set for cutting the rate of increase in overall crime were easily met as the rise was cut from 17 per cent last year to just 2 per cent. Vehicle thefts also dropped by nearly 8 per cent.
Although not covered by the current annual report, Prof Rea commended the establishment of the District Policing Partnerships earlier this year. These are locally-appointed bodies which liaise with police district commanders on community policing issues.
Following a spate of dissident republican intimidation and protests by Sinn Féin, Prof Rea praised those who had put themselves forward for membership of the new boards.
"There is no doubt that in the last number of weeks I have been greatly encouraged by the widespread community support voiced for policing and for all those who have stepped forward to make a difference."
Despite the findings of an attitude survey which pointed to a rise in security concerns among Catholics, the Policing Board says the fears are not affecting recruitment rates.
"The most recent figures we have seen show no evidence of a lack of a Catholic commitment in applications to the PSNI."
He added if Sinn Féin took its seats on the Policing Board which it currently boycotts, then the threats could be more easily countered and Catholic recruitment would be enhanced.