11293 report 19 - CAIN - University of Ulster

training, education and developmentpolicing issues, which require attention and should be included in the College Control Strategy.These training requirements are identified through consultation with all DCUs and Departmentsand synthesised to develop a Training Plan that is subsequently translated into a Costed TrainingPlan. The College Training Group (CTG) monitors it so that a comprehensive picture of current,emerging and longer term policing priorities can be acted on. The methodology is professional inscope and draws on information from a wide range of sources including Regions andHeadquarters, Faculty Heads, Home Office and other government agency research material as wellas open source material.Fiscal year financial reporting has improved with the acquisition and implementation of software toenable better tracking of TED costings. This technology is providing a clear costing forecast forbudgetary purposes. The Police Service also benchmarked the budget to similar police servicesusing the National Costing Model. As a consequence, the ability to identify variances and to makeappropriate adjustments for greater budgetary control and analysis is expected to ensureappropriate budgetary reporting to the Policing Board based on realistic forecasting. The oversightteam is satisfied that the Independent Commission’s intent is being achieved.Recommendation 131: New Police CollegePatten Recommendation:131. The Northern Ireland police should have a new purpose-built police college and the fundingfor it should be found in the next public spending round.Lead Responsibility: NIO/Chief Constable/Policing BoardRecommendation StatusFull compliance with this recommendation has not been achieved (Substantial progress).HistoryThe Police Service, NIO and Policing Board are members of the tri-partite Estates Committeedealing with the promotion and planning of the purpose-built new police college.The constructionplans and timelines for completion, once construction is launched, are in place for this new-buildon the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone.In February 2007, the government announced its commitment to the construction of the PoliceCollege. The College will share combined training facilities with the Fire and Rescue Service andPrison Service. It will be a purpose-built complex valued at £130 million. Notwithstanding thisannouncement, an optimistic projection envisions building start-up in two years and occupancy in2011. Unfortunately, this Independent Commission recommendation will have passed its ten yearanniversary without the new Police College being realised, with consequential effect on theexisting training delivery (see Recommendation 129).Remaining IssueWhile the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has announced the funding commitment, theactual funding delivery via the Treasury awaits confirmation. It remains for Government to live up175