Staff cuts have weakened service levels provided by police in the North, a new report has claimed.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Mr Ken Williams, concluded in his review that "an overall reduction in size, amongst other factors, means that the service cannot provide the same levels of service it once did.
"...There are substantial concerns about the overall viability of the service unless sustainable progress can be achieved in terms of bolstering the part-time reserve."
His assessment of the PSNI performance to December 31st, 2003, also claimed that 29 district command units were too many, and hampered operational efficiency.
His report comes as police chiefs continue their drive to bolster Catholic numbers within the force. Catholic staff rose from 8 per cent in November 2001 to 14 per cent by May 2004.
Female recruits also went up to 34 per cent by the same date. However, as more women join, a new problem has emerged.
"With higher levels of female recruitment taking place, evidence is now starting to emerge of isolated sexist attitudes and instances of discrimination. The service is beginning to respond to these."
In its attempts to address race and diversity issues, the inspector noted that PSNI chiefs were researching possible policies to support transsexual staff.
As well as areas for improvement highlighted in the 60-page dossier, Mr Williams stressed how Mr Orde's leadership as chief constable has been praised throughout those consulted.
He said a reorganised team of chief officers suggested long-term stability, while the PSNI had developed the feel of a performance-driven culture.
"Progress towards a community policing model of service delivery has been good. The service has moved a long way in this respect in a short time."
Although the PSNI would not comment on specific issues raised, a spokeswoman described the report as a fair and accurate performance assessment.
"It acknowledges much of the work in progress, and many of the successes that have been achieved, as well as highlighting areas where activity needs to be focused."
Mr Ian Paisley jnr, a Democratic Unionist member of the North's Policing Board, said the force was becoming powerless amid rising crime.
"There are three times more serious organised crime gangs operating in Northern Ireland than when we had 9,000 officers.
"This shows that we can't afford to cut manpower services, otherwise we are going to have a skeleton police service that doesn't satisfy public needs.
"And we certainly can't afford to do away with the full-time reserve."
Mr Orde will announce next month whether he can do without the unit.
PA