Ulster Unionist Policing Board member, Ross Hussey has welcomed the second stage ofthe Criminal Justice Bill. 

Ross said:

“The Criminal Justice Bill contains many important issues and I am glad we have the opportunity to consider its contents over the summer recess.’

“Firstly it deals with the issue of human trafficking.  There has already been good work carried out in Northern Ireland to help combat this plight.  Indeed,my Party brought a private members motion to the Assembly on the issue in 2010.  Campaigns such as the Blue Blindfold have also been very successful in raising awareness of human trafficking.’

“In April we saw the first conviction in Northern Ireland for human trafficking, but given the huge scale of this problem there is still a long way to go in stamping it out.  I hope that the new provisions contained within the Criminal Justice Bill will enable further convictions.’

“Secondly, the Ulster Unionist Party strongly believes that the Police must have the ability to use all means which are necessary and appropriate in order to tackle crime.  The Justice Minister is bringing forward the basic rule that all DNA and fingerprints must be destroyed, but we believe that it is important that the retention of material relating to the eight areas outlined are subject to differing standards’

“Finally the Bill also deals with the sensitive issue of notification arrangement for sex offenders.  The police have certain powers which includes the ability to hold information on the whereabouts of sex offenders through the sex offenders register.’

“We have concerns which the Justice Minister must address before progressing the Bill.  I would like to know why he has chosen to apply the 8 year notification for under 18’s and the 15 year level for all other sex offenders.  It is important that the Minister is not seen as being unduly lenient to sex offenders.’