The McCullough Review

I have been appointed by the Chief Constable to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against certain groups:  journalists, lawyers, NGOs, and regulators (Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board) from 2011 to date. Anything within the scope of ongoing proceedings before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal is excluded from my remit until they have been concluded.

Although appointed by the Chief Constable my review is entirely independent. A group of experts and stakeholders (GoES) has been formed. The membership of the group is set out here. The GoES’ role is to advise and provide direction to the review, but its members do not make any decisions in relation to it: I have sole responsibility for conduct of the review, although the Chief Constable is ultimately accountable for it. The input and advice of the GoES has already proved invaluable, and I am sure will continue to be so as my work proceeds.

In close conjunction with the GoES draft terms of reference were formulated and put to the Chief Constable, who agreed them without amendment. 

View the terms of reference.

My team and I have been afforded full access to PSNI records, systems and serving personnel to facilitate the review, as reflected by the terms of reference. Nobody, whether from PSNI or outside, has refused to engage with the Review, and I have received a total of 55 submissions in response to my Call for Evidence.

The main report of the Review’s findings and recommendations was published by the Chief Constable at 11.30 am on Wednesday 24 September 2025.  It is now available on the PSNI website and a copy can also be downloaded below.