PSNI chief constable delivers statement on data breach

Simon Byrne, the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has met with members of the PSNI's Executive Team and the Northern Ireland Policing Board to discuss the recent data breach.

It has been reported as a constructive and challenging meeting where board members were briefed on the material that has been released and how systems and processes failed. There were also updates on the immediate action taken by the organisation to understand, mitigate and communicate the risk to staff and to address concerns about staff welfare and safety.

Byrne also reiterated the apology to members of the police service that had already been made.

He said: “I, and the rest of the Service Executive Team, are 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.

“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.
 
“An early worst case scenario which we considered following the data breach was that third parties might attempt to get this data to intimidate, corrupt or harm officers or staff.  We have since become aware of dissident republican claims that they are in possession of data circulating on WhatsApp. I informed the Policing Board of this earlier today and we have taken immediate steps to inform our officers and staff.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will continue to work with partners to investigate the breaches and will update in due course the outcome of these.”

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