The North's Chief Constable may form a special investigation team in a fresh effort to confront the PSNI's crime-solving rate.
A Co Derry man who has headed an Internet protection body has been appointed Northern Ireland's first Commissioner for Children and Young People.
Mr Nigel Williams, chief executive of Childnet, takes up his £75,000-a-year post in October.
Ms Angela Smith, a junior minister at the Northern Ireland Office, named the commissioner at a special ceremony at an east Belfast school.
"This is an historic day for the children and young people of Northern Ireland," she said. "They now have a champion to speak for them, someone to ensure that their rights are safeguarded and respected."
Mr Williams, who is from Limavady but has been London-based for some 20 years, was selected by young people from 39 applicants from the UK and Ireland, the US, eastern Europe and New Zealand.
Speaking after the appointment was announced, Mr Williams said he would have some of the most extensive powers of any Commissioner for Children in the world.
"I am under no illusion about the extent of the task I have taken on," he said. "It will be a challenging role, with the potential to have a positive impact."