NIPB meeting only ‘scratched surface’ on PSNI data leak, says DUP

The data was mistakenly shared online in response to a Freedom of Information request and contained the surnames and initials of all current officers and staff alongside the location and department within which they work.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said he was also aware of dissident republican claims that they are in possession of data circulating on WhatsApp following the leak.

DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr said the accidental data leak was “such a national security issue” he is seeking a recall of Parliament from its summer recess to discuss the incident and has also written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to ask what actions the UK Government can take to address issues arising from the crisis.

Last Thursday, the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) called an “extraordinary meeting” with the chief constable and senior PSNI officers and staff over the “catastrophic data breach”, warning that the personal impact on officers and staff affected “cannot be overstated”.

However, DUP policing spokesperson Trevor Clarke MLA, said the meeting provided only “limited answers” and “only scratched the surface.

Commenting after the emergency sitting of the NIPB, the South Antrim DUP MLA said: ‘‘This breach was on an industrial scale, and we will likely not know the full extent of the impact for some time.

“From speaking with police officers, it is clear their foremost concern is for the safety of their loved ones. However there is also palpable anger that such an error could have occurred in the first place.

“I recognise that the chief constable has fronted up and apologised. However, among those directly affected inside and outside the organisation he will ultimately be judged on actions, not words. Trust has been eroded and must be restored.

“The PSNI needs to devise a clear plan to identify ongoing risks posed to individual officers due to the disclosure of this information.

“It is not enough to assess threats today or tomorrow when the nature of the data in the public domain – and potentially in the hands of terrorists – is such that officers may be jeopardised months, and even years, later.”

Mr Clarke added: “The meeting provided limited answers and in truth we only scratched the surface. This will continue to be on the agenda until we get to the bottom of this issue.

“We are told that this disclosure was the result of human error by a junior member of staff.

“It would seem inconceivable that such sensitive data could be generated and published under the control of any one individual. Therefore we need to know why safeguards to prevent such a breach were either inadequate or ignored.”

Mr Clarke said he was “disappointed” that not all senior PSNI staff were present at the meeting.

“Many hundreds of thousands of pounds, if not millions, have been spent to overhaul the operation and administration of the PSNI and make it more efficient,” he said.

“Professionals from outside the police family were recruited specifically for this purpose. Therefore it is right and proper that when something goes wrong they too are subject to high levels of accountability.’’

NIPB representative and East Belfast DUP MLA Joanne Bunting added: ‘‘The circumstances of this incident must be forensically examined to establish exactly what went wrong and ensure it is never repeated. We would expect both the chief constable, chief operating officer, and all those under their control, to cooperate proactively with any investigation.

“Our primary concern at this time, however, remains with those officers and staff identified by this breach. Priority must continue to be given to ensuring every individual affected receives the practical support needed to ensure any risk to their safety and that of their family is mitigated.

“In recent months, concern expressed by rank-and-file officers has been rising. Budget cuts, issues around pay, pensions and access to occupational health services have all had a debilitating impact on morale and wellbeing. Indeed it is inevitable that this fiasco will lead to more officers opting out of a career in policing.

“That is simply not good enough. The PSNI leadership must get to grips with this situation, restore confidence and be the employer our dedicated and hard-working officers and staff deserve.’’

At Thursday’s board meeting, Mr Byrne said he and the rest of the service executive team were “deeply sorry for this unprecedented and industrial scale data breach”.

“I want to reassure all officers and staff that I am committed to supporting everyone affected and ensuring that this never happens again,” he added.

“I do not underestimate the seriousness of this breach and the impact it will have on colleagues and their families. Their welfare and safety is my priority.

“We have set up a dedicated group within the police service to support anyone affected by the data breach.  To date we have received over 600 referrals. My priority as chief constable is to build the confidence and trust within the organisation, our partners and the general public.”

Following Thursday’s meeting, NIPB chair Deirdre Toner said: “This breach is a very grave matter and will remain the focal point for board meetings with PSNI for many months.”