Police whistleblowers win protection
Immediate Release 11th March 2003
The Government has seized the opportunity to prevent a canteen culture in the new Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and reassure the public that honest officers will be protected for doing the right thing. Thanks to a Government amendment to the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, officers will be fully protected if they blow the whistle on corrupt colleagues or potential miscarriages of justice. The amendment will give officers the right to go to an independent tribunal for uncapped compensation if they are dismissed or victimised for raising concerns about wrongdoing.
Public Concern at Work, the whistleblowing charity, welcomes the amendment. Its Deputy Director, Anna Myers: “The public needs to know that the police can police themselves. By giving officers a safe alternative to silence, this amendment will help instil the public confidence that is so crucial for the success of the new Service.”