Boutcher to release findings on allegations of police surveillance of journalists and attorneys

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has confirmed that he will provide a public report on the extent of police surveillance of lawyers and journalists, according to the Policing Board. The leadership of the board, which serves as the oversight body for the PSNI, expressed concerns about the impact on public confidence in policing due to claims made during a tribunal hearing regarding surveillance of journalists' phone data. Amnesty International criticized the proposed publication of the PSNI report as "wholly insufficient" and emphasized the need for independent oversight to restore public trust in the police force. The Policing Board, led by chairman Mukesh Sharma and vice chairman Brendan Mullan, met with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher to discuss the reported surveillance activities. The board highlighted the damage being done to public confidence in policing as a result of revelations from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) hearing. During the IPT hearing, allegations emerged about police in Northern Ireland conducting regular trawls of journalists' phone data to monitor their contacts with police sources. This came to light during the investigation into the treatment of investigative reporters Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney by the police. The Policing Board emphasized the importance of transparency and openness in handling the surveillance issue, stating that Chief Constable Boutcher has committed to providing a comprehensive report on surveillance of legal professionals and journalists at the upcoming June meeting. The report will also be made public for scrutiny. Additionally, the board's human rights adviser will have access to all relevant material to ensure compliance with legal standards. Chief Constable Boutcher acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to establish an additional review mechanism to address the issues brought up during the meeting. Amnesty International and the Committee on the Administration of Justice called for an independent inquiry under the Policing Board's powers to investigate potentially unlawful surveillance activities. They stressed that no police force should be allowed to conduct its own investigations into such matters, underscoring the need for external oversight and accountability. Both organizations highlighted the importance of restoring public confidence in policing through transparent and accountable actions to address past surveillance activities. Despite committing to full cooperation with the IPT hearing, Chief Constable Boutcher refrained from speculating on past events until the conclusion of the investigative process. The focus remains on ensuring a thorough and impartial examination of the surveillance activities, with the goal of rebuilding trust between the police force and the community. The Policing Board's proactive approach to addressing these concerns and their insistence on external oversight reflect a commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in policing practices. https://therealcrimediary.com/boutcher-to-release-findings-on-allegations-of-police-surveillance-of-journalists-and-attorneys/?feed_id=57240&_unique_id=66d3a0a63da42

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