THE PSNI has provided a self-styled paedophile hunter group with a 19-point 'checklist’ of evidence needed for prosecutions.
In recent weeks senior police officers have publicly criticised the activities of groups who pursue suspected paedophiles.
However, it has now emerged that the force has provided some information about what is needed to bring cases - although it denied it was "any form of guidance".
There are believed to be several groups currently operating in the north that use adult decoys posing online as children to flush out suspected predators who are then confronted.
The encounters are often broadcast live on Facebook.
The Public Prosecution Service is currently considering three cases arising out of such controversial 'sting' operations.
It has now emerged that police have written to one of the most active groups, Predator Catchers NI.
Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney listed 19 pieces of information needed for investigative files including “who initiated sexual content of the conversations” and “if any pictures/photos have been shared”.
He said the evidence had been requested from the Public Prosecution Service “in order that the PSNI may progress these investigations to the required evidential standard”.
Former Policing Board member Dolores Kelly said that while there are concerns about paedophile hunter groups, the PSNI needs to explain its position.
“The police are giving conflicting and mixed messages and they need to be very clear in what they are telling the public,” she said.
A spokeswoman for Predator Catchers NI said the group was set up last November and claimed that police "frequently work alongside us".
She said the PSNI has “provided us with a list of 19 pieces of evidence, which the PPS has requested, that we have to provide when we confront these predators".
“Every time we go to a meeting, we bring each of these things,” she said.
Mr McBurney confirmed that as a result of police investigations and following consultation with the PPS, police wrote to several individuals connected to some Facebook groups last December.
“The points in the letter clarified what police need to include in the investigative files they present to the PPS," he said.
“They were not provided as any form of guidance to these groups going forward.
“It is the police’s role to deal with those involved in this type of crime.
"We are the professionals with the expert knowledge and experience to carry out rigorous investigations to the required evidential standard.
“This is why law enforcement officers who work in this area and undertake undercover activities are specifically trained to do so and work under strict authorities and the control of senior officers."
