Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found that the PSNI had a good process for identifying and responding to initial calls from vulnerable victims, but said that improved training was needed in follow-up operations.

HMIC assessed the force over five days in February 2016 and produced two reports. The first report focusses on police efficiency and the second report focusses on police effectiveness.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Michael Cunningham said: “We were pleased to find that the service is demonstrating a good understanding of current demand for its services and is good at financial management.

“However, we do have concerns with how the force responds to and protects vulnerable victims.

“In particular we were concerned to see inconsistencies in how staff recognise and assess vulnerability.”

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said: “PSNI is committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, other statutory agencies and voluntary sector organisations.

“We have placed a strong emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable in society. The HMIC’s inspection will allow us to further develop the work undertaken by our Public Protection Branch.

“We have dedicated additional detective resources to the investigation of Child Sexual Exploitation.

“We have strengthened our relationships with the Health Trusts to ensure consistency of appropriate investigative response to complaints of child abuse and domestic abuse.

“This work will be complemented by the new Programme for Government’s outcome based accountability, which will have a cross cutting, departmental approach to problem solving.

“Vulnerability is not an issue which the PSNI can deal with alone and HMIC has recognised the positive relationships that exist with a wide range of partner agencies.”