The Department of Justice has said an independent review of the Policing Board will start next week.
Minister Naomi Long confirmed details of the long-awaited review on Thursday.
Paul Sweeney, former civil service Permanent Secretary, has been appointed as Independent Reviewer while Dr John Topping, a senior lecturer of Criminology at Queens University Belfast, will act as the Independent Expert Advisor.
The review was announced by former board chair Deirdre Toner last year after a series of controversies, including criticism over its response in the aftermath of last year’s data breach when details of almost 10,000 officers and civilian staff were accidently released.
The board came under further pressure over a critical High Court ruling around the disciplining of two PSNI officers, which led to then PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne resigning.
“The review will be tightly focused and delivered in a timely manner to conclude by the end of December,” Ms Long said.
“It will primarily involve members and staff of the NI Policing Board, the PSNI and representative bodies, and the Department of Justice.”
Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said it welcomes the announcement “and will fully assist the work of the Independent Reviewer and his expert adviser in discharging the Terms of Reference set”.
