Discrimination case should serve as a wakeup call for PSNI – Kelly

Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly has called for PSNI to take stock of the discrimination case being taken by Catholic officers as a wake-up call for the PSNI which underlines the need for change. 

Speaking on this the North Belfast MLA said:

“The media reports that four Catholics, a mixture of serving and retired PSNI police officers, are suing the PSNI over sectarianism within the force could be both a wake-up call and potentially, a catalyst for positive change.

“These four Catholics are taking a brave step, as they did when joining the PSNI in the first instance. That there are sectarian elements in the force is no surprise. I have had officers relate such stories to me. They were, however, understandably not prepared to have their identity revealed for fear of ostracization or victimisation.

“Other members of the Policing Board dealt with similar situations. In the most recent police recruitment drive over 4,800 applied. Just under 28% of the applicants were Catholic. 

“The percentages are dropping. Retention of Catholics who get through the course to become police officers, is also a problem. There may be a number of factors involved, but sectarianism can make it a cold house for Catholics.

“50-50 recruitment was brought in under Patten, to bring about a service representative of the community it serves. The political decision by a British Secretary of State, to end it has certainly made that job much harder.”