Officers have same human rights as anyone else, says NIPB

In its review of the human rights of officers and staff, the NIPB said it was crucial they feel “supported and recognised for the difficult role they do”.

It found police officers and staff were often concerned that human rights are discussed only in the context of suspects and defendants.

The NIPB says the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should therefore consider setting out their rights in guidance as part of the force’s People Strategy.

The review also recommends that the board and the PSNI should “encourage” the Executive and Assembly to consider whether “the current legislation regarding assaults on emergency staff reflects the risks that come with these occupations”.

In addition, the PSNI should consult the staff associations directly to produce a plan to address the allegations set out regarding officer wellbeing, sectarianism and racially-motivated violence.

The recommendation are among a number made by the review, the first of its kind published by the board, which examined six priority themes:

• The right to life/protection from harm;
• Prohibition of ill-treatment;
• Right to fair trial, due process/minimise delay;
• The right to privacy;
• Freedom of expression/association; and
• Freedom from discrimination.

NIPB chair Deirdre Toner said: “This report, focusing on officers and staff, sets out nine recommendations with the view of improving PSNI’s compliance with international human rights standards regarding those working within policing.

“There are some complexities that apply to particular issues given the legislative powers and duties conferred on police officers.

“However, police officers and staff do have the same right as anyone else to respect for human rights and fundamental freedom, and to work in an environment free of harassment or discrimination in any form.

“Throughout this report, the welfare of officers and staff has been an important element of this analysis as it is crucial that our officers and staff feel supported and recognised for the difficult role they do.

“The increasing number of assaults on police and emergency staff is of concern, and it is questionable whether the current legislation regarding penalties for attacks and assaults properly reflects the risks faced in their service to the community.”

Ms Toner added: “This report also examines conduct and culture within the service, and recommendations within the report cross-reference some issues recently published in the board’s Review of Professional Standards.

“As a board, we hope that particular matters raised during consultations on this report will now be addressed by the PSNI.

“The board and its committees will continue to scrutinise the work of the PSNI so that the recommendations and lessons identified in this report are implemented as PSNI continue to cope with the significant policing challenges.”