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PSNI apologises over two month long delays in processing Access NI checks

Police have apologised for any "adverse impact" caused by delays in processing Access NI checks
Police have apologised for any "adverse impact" caused by delays in processing Access NI checks Police have apologised for any "adverse impact" caused by delays in processing Access NI checks

THE PSNI has apologised for delays of up to two months in processing Access NI checks and said it is working to reduce the backlog.

An Access NI disclosure, which lists an individual's criminal record history and information held about them on the police database, is a mandatory requirement for a growing number of paid and voluntary positions.

People are often unable to accept an offer of employment or take up a voluntary role with a charity until the checks have been completed.

One individual from Co Down, who does not have any convictions, told The Irish News that they had recently been told to expect an "eight week" turnaround time while waiting to start a job as a care assistant.

"This has presented some very tough times for me and my two children but also for others who are currently unemployed and struggling as a result of the PSNI's lacklustre approach.

"Fair enough I can understand if I had a record but I do not ....so why does it take eight weeks?" they added.

The latest weekly figures, released on Monday by Access NI - a branch of the Department of Justice - show that there is a three day average waiting time for basic and standard disclosures to be returned, rising to between five and seven days for enhanced applications.

However, the PSNI said it is currently experiencing delays at its end, and that where cases are referred to them "there are agreements in place to allow up to 60 days for the disclosure certificate to be returned".

Superintendent Darren Rice said: "On behalf of the PSNI I apologise for any adverse impact the delays have had upon individuals or registered bodies. We are working to address the current backlog in processing enhanced Access NI checks and a plan is in place to reduce the number of outstanding cases.

"Whilst seeking to expedite the applications, it is imperative that we thoroughly consider each application in order to provide proper protection for children and vulnerable adults."

Superintendent Rice added: "Their right to be protected from harm must be carefully balanced against the right to privacy of applicants. This can be a complex and time consuming process which we must ensure we get right to keep people safe."