Long: "Attacks on PSNI are an attack on us all"

Justice Minister Naomi Long has condemned attacks on PSNI officers and staff and is calling on the public to better support the PSNI.

This is the message by the Minister as she attends the launch of a Police Federation campaign highlighting attacks on police officers and seeking action to address the issue. 

The Minister said: “We have seen several nights of rioting and disorder in the last week with officers sustaining more than 60 injuries in the line of duty.  There is absolutely no justification for such attacks, and they must be unequivocally condemned.

“Police officers demonstrate extraordinary courage daily, setting aside their own safety as they keep the rest of us safe. Shockingly, some people think it is okay to attack or assault a police officer or that it's simply part of their job. That is just not acceptable.”

Continuing, the Minister mentioned her intention to strengthen legislation to protect police officers and staff as part of the Sentencing Bill.  She said: “This legislation, which I hope to introduce later this year, will include a new offence, with a higher maximum penalty, for assaulting a person who is providing a service to the public, performing a public duty or delivering a public service.”

In conclusion, the Minister said: “When an officer is assaulted, they are a victim of crime - a fact that is often not recognised.  An assault on an officer is an attack on our whole community, delaying response to serious incidents and putting pressure on already stretched police officer numbers.  That could make the difference as to how police respond to an incident that could involve us or our loved ones. 

“I fully support this campaign to stop assaults on police officers and I am urging the public to do the same.”