The PSNI veers from one serious problem to another.

The latest is the Police Ombudsman’s report laying clear the failures of the force in its investigation of Alexander McCartney, who was conducting online blackmail through ‘catfishing’.

Lack of resources and an appropriate focus on cybercrimes led to unacceptable investigation delays: faster action should have avoided the suicide of one of his victims in the United States, 12-year-old Cimarron Thomas.

But under-resourcing is not the only challenge for the PSNI – its unlawful surveillance of some journalists has severely damaged its reputation within the media.

Is it time for Patton Two to deliver a policing service that has the confidence of our whole society?

Meanwhile, there remains an embedded distrust of the organisation across parts of nationalist and republican society. That distrust hinders........

© The Irish News