Controversial neighbourhood justice schemes in Northern Ireland will have to consult the police about cases if they are to receive state funding, the British government said today.
Around 19 schemes operating in republican and loyalist communities were told they will have until April to seek formal accreditation if they are to get public funding.
But they will also be required to work alongside the police if they are to qualify.
Previous proposals from the government were criticised for being too vague about the relationship between the police and the schemes, which bring the victims and perpetrators of low-level crime face-to-face.
Northern Ireland Office minister David Hanson and the revised plans required schemes to refer all information about offences and plans to address them to the police.
The PSNI can then consider whether to begin its own investigation, take fingerprint or DNA evidence and pass on evidence to the Public Prosecution Service to decide who should handle the case.
Schemes will have no role in determining guilt or innocence and can only deal with cases referred by a criminal justice agency.
All schemes would have to be accredited by Northern Ireland's Criminal Justice Inspectorate following basic standards and subject to inspections.
Staff will also have to be passed by a panel within each organisation to ensure suitability and undergo training in human rights, equality and criminal law.
Mr Hanson said the standards were non-negotiable.
PA