Policing Board: Call for inquiry into PSNI journalist surveillance

Barry McCaffrey (left) made a complaint to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal along with Trevor Birney (right) in 2019

The Northern Ireland Policing Board is coming under renewed pressure to launch an inquiry into the surveillance of journalists by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

It follows the PSNI's failure, to date, to provide its oversight body with a report on the issue requested in 2023.

Two human rights groups have now written to the board.

They have stated that a failure to take action may undermine public confidence in its scrutiny role.

The board is due to discuss the matter on Thursday.

Amnesty International and the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) wrote to the board last week, following fresh revelations in the case of Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) is investigating claims they were subjected to unlawful covert surveillance between 2011 and 2018, aimed at uncovering sources.

When the story first emerged last summer, the board asked the PSNI, more broadly, how often surveillance of journalists and lawyers takes place "and the principles which underpin it".

The issue has been raised with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher

The issue was raised again with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher at February's board meeting.

Independent board member Les Allamby pointed out the board has been awaiting a report requested from the PSNI for five months.

Mr Boutcher said: "Be assured we would only authorise intrusive tactics into people's private lives where they are properly justified."

'Covert surveillance powers against journalists'

Amnesty and the CAJ said the matter had new urgency after documents disclosed to the IPT showed "another journalist was also subject to surveillance by the PSNI".

Their letter, seen by BBC News NI, stated: "Our organisations continue to share serious concerns about how widespread the practice of the use of covert surveillance powers against journalists and others may have been.

"We repeat our request to the board to conduct an inquiry, under the powers vested in you under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

"Failing that, we wish to enquire how the board plans to fulfil its role effectively ensuring PSNI human rights compliance with respect to this matter which not only has the potential to undermine public confidence in policing but also in policing oversight mechanisms."

Amnesty, the CAJ and the National Union of Journalists will highlight the issue at a joint press conference scheduled in Belfast on Wednesday.