Criminals who prey on the disabled are to be targeted as part of a developing offensive on hate crime revealed today by Northern Ireland policing chiefs.
Street vandals plaguing neighbourhoods have also been targeted in new strategy for running the force over the next 12 months.
A total of 38 targets have been included in the latest annual Policing Plan devised by the authority which holds the PSNI to account.
As well as demanding Chief Constable Hugh Orde solves more murders, increases drug seizures and strengthens public confidence in his officers, the plan sets out new goals over attacks fuelled by religious and sectarian prejudice.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been told to establish a baseline clearance rate for crimes against victims with disabilities.
Sir Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, said changes to the blueprint, set out under eight key objectives, emerged from a critical review carried out with the service.
After consulting with local District Policing Partnerships, two new objectives were included - tackling the fear of crime in communities and dealing with anti-social behaviour.
Alongside calls for better results on burglaries, car crime, drink/drug-driving and public disorder, police chiefs have been challenged to achieve a 75 per cent victim satisfaction rate.
In an attempt to maximise resources in the force, average sickness levels for officers must fall to 12.5 days, the plan recommended.
In their response to the demands, police commanders detailed how they intend to improve the service.
Key targets they have set themselves include: completing 75 per cent of investigations within 90 days of a detective being appointed; installing 500 "black box" data recorders to influence driver behaviour in police vehicles by March 2006; and achieving a 5 per cent
reduction in complaints by March 2006.
PA