PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has welcomed the findings of a study that finds public confidence in the force is on the increase.
The Policing Board survey said 83 per cent of people in the North believe the PSNI does a good job at combating ordinary crime. Across all categories, surveyed confidence was on the increase.
The lowest level recorded was police patrols, which registered 42 per cent satisfaction. However the figure was up 6 per cent on last year.
Sir Hugh said the survey findings gave backing to officers working in difficult of circumstances.
"It demonstrates that police officers working hard on the ground are making a real impact on people's lives and ensuring that streets, roads, and towns throughout Northern Ireland are safer," he said.
Other areas receiving positive public feedback were the areas of order, up 7 per cent at 79 per cent, and District Policing Partnerships, up 8 per cent to reach a 74 per cent approval rate.