Press release, 10 July 2024
An independent review into conduct by the Police Service of Northern Ireland arising from concerns raised in relation to surveillance of journalists, lawyers and other groups.
Statement from Angus McCullough KC
Following concerns raised about actions of the PSNI in relation to monitoring of journalists and lawyers, the Chief Constable of the PSNI has appointed me to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against certain groups. These concerns engage fundamental principles of press freedom and legal professional privilege. My review will examine PSNI use of surveillance affecting specific groups: journalists, lawyers, NGOs, and regulators (Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board) from 2011 to date.
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 been assured that I will be afforded full access to PSNI records and serving personnel to facilitate the review, as reflected by the terms of reference. Any former PSNI personnel are permitted and encouraged by the Chief Constable to engage fully with my review.
In line with the terms of reference my findings will be set out to the fullest extent possible in public-facing reports, to include any recommendations that appear indicated. I am committed to maximising the openness and transparency of my findings and have been assured by the Chief Constable that he shares that aim.
Call for Evidence: Any individual or group that has information relevant to this inquiry is encouraged to be in touch with me. For this purpose a Questionnaire may be downloaded, to be completed and sent to my secure email address on a confidential basis. To be clear, anyone volunteering information to my review by this means may do so without being identified outside the review team; not to PSNI nor the wider public. The deadline for this call for evidence is 5pm on Friday 18 October 2024.
Notes to Editors:
- Further details are available on the review website, including the terms of reference: www.mcculloughreview.org
- Angus McCullough KC is a senior barrister based in London, called to the bar in both England & Wales and Northern Ireland. He has long experience of cases involving sensitive material and security issues, including as a leading Special Advocate in closed proceedings – a role that involves seeking to maximise open disclosure as well as acting in the interests of those excluded from closed hearings.
- Updates in relation to progress and work of the review will appear on the website. The reviewer does not otherwise intend to comment on any reporting about the review to avoid prejudicing its work as it proceeds.