More work needed to encourage Catholics to join PSNI as the force turns 20

Tuesday, 2 November 2021 06:50

By Grainne Connolly

By Q Radio News

Calls have been made for more to be done to encourage Catholics to join the PSNI, as the force turns 20 this week.

It comes as the PSNI also launched a recruitment drive for new officers and staff on Tuesday.

Figures show there are still problems within the Police Service of Northern Ireland in hiring more officers from a Catholic background.

As of July this year, 32% of PSNI officers were from a perceived Catholic background, while 66% were from a perceived Protestant background.

SDLP Policing Board member Dolores Kelly said the anniversary of the PSNI'S formation was the "perfect opportunity" to recommit to the principle of a shared police force, representative of society.

The Upper Bann MLA said, “When the PSNI was formed nearly 20 years ago John Hume and Seamus Mallon took the difficult decision to support it and join the Policing Board.

"Despite much criticism from our political opponents at the time the SDLP made a tough choice for the greater good and as is often the case those critics followed us eventually.

“This week as the PSNI marks this important milestone they are also launching a recruitment drive for more officers.

"I can’t think of a better opportunity for us to recommit to the principles of the PSNI which was set up to be a shared police service for a shared society, a significant departure from the institutionalised sectarianism represented by the RUC."

Upper Bann MLA and Policing Board member Dolores Kelly

Mrs Kelly added, "It is a matter of great regret that the British government dropped its original commitment to 50:50 recruitment and as a result an initial surge in Catholics joining the service has fallen away.

"Catholics now make up just 32% of the police service and without action this is likely to fall even further in the years to come.

“The SDLP has always encouraged Catholics to consider a career in the PSNI and I’m repeating that call today.

"Despite attempts from some narrow minded elements in our communities to dissuade Catholics from considering a career in policing it is a vocation to be proud of.

"Police officers perform a vital role in our society, they protect the public and keep our communities safe, often placing themselves at great risk.

“Our police service isn’t perfect, they still get things wrong, like we all do, but we have come a long way over these past two decades.

"Joining the police provides people with a wide range of opportunities, the chance for career progression and to provide a good life for your family. We need to do everything we can to encourage more Catholics to join the PSNI so that we have a police service that is truly representative of our society.”