Commentary on Sections Section 6 to 17 – Stalking Protection Orders Section 19 – Training
This section places a duty on the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Public Prosecution
Service and any additional public body that has functions within the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland (specified by the Department in Regulations), to ensure that training on the effect of the Act is provided to personnel, as it considers appropriate.
Subsection (1) requires that training must be provided at least annually and would be mandatory for personnel/staff that have responsibilities for dealing with cases involving stalking, to ensure the effective discharge of their responsibilities in relation to such cases.
Subsections (2) and (3) identify the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Public Prosecution Service as listed authorities for training purposes.
Subsection (4) places a duty of the Department of Justice for training Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal staff as an Agency of the Department, as well as any additional agency that has functions within the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland and which the Department selects in connection with this section.
Subsection (5) requires the Department of Justice to publish a statement setting out the level of participation in training by personnel/staff in each relevant organisation, within 18 months from the day on which the provisions come into operation, and annually thereafter.